SALINAS, Calif. – Fresh-cut sweet potato sales are lagging behind the spike seen in frozen sweet potato sales, as a result Mann Packing, the leading supplier of washed and ready-to-eat vegetables, conducted consumer research to find out how the situation could be remedied.
The consumers surveyed told Mann they eat sweet potatoes at home and in restaurants, but they weren’t aware that fresh-cut sweet potatoes existed, were preservative free compared to their frozen counterparts, or where to find them in stores.
When consumers saw a package of fresh-cut sweet potatoes, they said they looked like carrots, so Mann decided to change the cut of the sweet potatoes to a crinkle style, add more information on pack, and activate more direct-to-consumer communication activities to increase awareness for the product.
Mann’s new and improved sweet potatoes are now crinkle-cut that helps make the sweet potatoes look more like French fries, said Elena Hernandez, marketing and communication specialist, and the plate shot on the package front includes graphics that communicate immediate usage ideas and helps further identity the product.
“Nothing says French fries like a ramekin of ketchup,” Hernandez said.
No changes are occurring to the UPC on either size package; however, the package size has reduced two ounces on both the large and small packages due to the change in product cut. The suggested retail price is $3.29 to $4.99 depending on the market and size of the package.
Mann Packing will participate in the Blogher Food conference this June to promote awareness for its fresh-cut sweet potatoes and will continue to provide information to food writers and editors at traditional media outlets such as television shows, magazines and newspapers.
“We know shoppers want these products and we are working with our partners to get them into stores and to tell shoppers where they can find them,” Hernandez said.
For more information about Mann Packing, its product line and promotional opportunities please visit www.veggiesmadeeasy.com.
About Mann Packing Company
Mann Packing Company, Inc., located in Salinas, Calif., is one of the world’s largest suppliers of fresh broccoli. A family-owned company for three generations; 64 percent of the company shareholders are women who continue the rich tradition of developing innovative new fresh-cut vegetable products.
Source: Mann Packing Company
