Retailers Recognized for Creativity, Cross-Merchandising, and Passion for Fresh Florida Sweet Corn
June 23, 2025 | 2 min to read
FLORIDA – Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida have officially announced the winners of the second annual Comin’ in Hot Merchandising Display Contest, awarding $5,000 in prizes to retail partners who showcased the best in-store displays during Florida’s peak sweet corn season.
The contest, which ran from March 20 through May 20, 2025, encouraged retailers to celebrate Florida-grown Sunshine Sweet Corn with bold, flavorful, and creative merchandising. Displays featuring ingredients like hot sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro helped drive engagement, inspire meal ideas, and boost sales of sweet corn.
Taking top honors this year was Zallie’s Family Market in Glassboro, N.J., where Produce Manager Andreo Napolitano built a display featuring a miniature tractor surrounded by Sunshine Sweet Corn. His team boosted the setup using the provided display kit, complete with balloons, fliers, and shelf talkers, alongside thoughtful cross-merchandising to inspire sales.
Second-place honors went to Corner Market in McComb, Miss., and third place was awarded to Foley’s Family Market in Hamilton, N.J. Five additional stores received honorable mention, including Hollywood Markets in Royal Oak, Mich.; ShopRite in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.; and three standout Corner Market locations—two in Hattiesburg and one in Ellisville, Miss.
Retailers used free display kits provided by Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida and incorporated fresh merchandising strategies to connect with shoppers. In just its second year, the contest received entries from across the country, reflecting growing retailer excitement for the program.
To learn more about the contest, visit: www.comininhotfromflorida.com.
About Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida (SSCFF)
Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida, Inc. (SSCFF) is comprised of 18 grower companies and nine handler companies who joined together to promote and market their corn under the Sunshine Sweet Corn brand. Members collectively grow 30,000 acres of non-GMO, extra tender, extra sweet varieties. SSCFF growers only plant the varieties that meet the taste, quality, and eating experience requirements set by the SSCFF, and Sunshine Sweet Corn quality is always FANCY. Growers regulate themselves for quality control and hire inspectors during the harvest season to ensure that all mandated quality standards are met. One of the things you can count on with Sunshine Sweet Corn is consistency that is fresh from the Sunshine State.