DENVER, CO – Custom-printed tote bags have been developed through a unique partnership between the United States Potato Board (USPB) and the National Onion Association (NOA). Urging shoppers to “Create Mealtime Magic”, these colorful totes include positive messaging for potatoes on one side and onions on the reverse, and each gusset features one of two different recipes prepared using both vegetables.
A pilot program conducted by the USPB/NOA with Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire Grocery Company confirmed the effectiveness of “Create Mealtime Magic” tote bags at driving incremental potato and onion sales in 79 test stores. During the six week pilot, stores merchandised with the tote bags realized $36 more per store/week (+6.5%) in bulk potato sales and $82 more per store/week (+7.5%) in bulk onion sales, as measured by Nielsen Perishables Group. Beyond just bulk sales growth, the entire category of potatoes and onions also benefited from using the tote bags, with overall sales of potatoes climbing $76 per store/week and onions rising $90 per store/week. All in all, an investment of less than $6 per store/week in tote bags created incremental joint category sales in the test stores of $166 store/week – an exceedingly strong return on merchandising investment.
“By displaying potatoes and onions in these highly visible tote bags, we were able to increase produce awareness, as well as provide our customers with the added convenience of a ‘grab-and-go’ opportunity,” said Chris Mooney, Vice President, Fresh Foods for BGC. “We are glad to note the tote bags increased sales for a product where sales growth is rare, and we are pleased with the results of the pilot program.”
“Create Mealtime Magic” Home-Toter® craft paper bags are available exclusively from Package Containers, Inc. (PCI). USPB and NOA have negotiated discounted pricing for potato and onion industry members, who should contact their respective organizations for more information. Industry members and their retail customers are encouraged to collaborate with each other in order to take full advantage of this novel merchandising tool and realize the maximum sales benefit to both of these produce categories.About the National Onion Association
Founded in 1913, the National Onion Association (NOA) is the official organization to represent growers, shippers, brokers, and commercial representatives of the U.S. onion industry. NOA strives to preserve and improve the business environment of all participants in the industry, educate consumers about onion’s many uses and health benefits. For more information, visit www.onions-usa.org.
About the United States Potato Board
The United States Potato Board (USPB) is the nation’s potato marketing and research organization. Based in Denver, Colorado, the USPB represents more than 2,500 potato growers and handlers across the country. The USPB was established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Today, as the largest vegetable commodity board, the USPB is proud to be recognized as an innovator in the produce industry and dedicated to positioning potatoes as a nutrition powerhouse – truly, goodness unearthed. For more information, visit www.uspotatoes.com.
About Brookshire Grocery Co.
Brookshire Grocery Co. operates 154 stores in three states — Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas – with three distribution centers and seven manufacturing facilities. Known for friendly service, clean stores and strong community support, BGC has been in operation since 1928. Our mission is to provide a great food and shopping experience. For more information, visit www.brookshires.com.
Source: United States Potato Board
