February 2025 Insights to Action

Consumer demand is driving growth across various categories. Health-conscious choices and resilient supply chains are setting the stage for another great year.

• Through the first four weeks, produce dollars grew 3.6%, while volume sales are trending up 2.7% vs 2024.
• Fruits outperformed vegetables again, but vegetables have shown steady growth.
• Produce dollars sales are trailing total edible growth to start the year.

The mid-South is the top performing region in January as the Northeast continues to underperform.

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 10 minutes). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Remove all but 1/4 cup of bacon grease from the skillet.
• Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in flour and cook until golden (about 2 minutes).
• Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in 1/2 cup each of cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
• Crumble bacon and add to the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Place asparagus in a 9”x13” baking pan and pour sauce over it.
• Top with remaining cheese and crushed Ritz Crackers.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Promote seasonal favorites

• Asparagus: A spring favorite that's perfect for Easter meals. Consider offering recipe ideas like our asparagus and cheesy bacon casserole found on page 2.
• Pineapples: Juicy and sweet, pineapples are perfect for adding a tropical twist to Easter dishes. Promote them for fruit salads, grilled pineapple slices, or pineapple-glazed ham.
• Strawberries: Fresh, sweet, and ideal for desserts. Promote them for strawberry shortcakes, fruit salads, or even chocolate-dipped strawberries.
• Carrots: Not only a staple for Easter bunnies, but also great for side dishes and salads. Feature them in recipes for glazed carrots or carrot cake.

Cross-promotional opportunities

• Easter baskets: Pair fresh fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, and pineapples with Easter-themed baskets and decorations. Offer pre-made baskets for convenience.
• Recipe cards: Provide recipe cards that feature your produce, such as a strawberry shortcake, roasted asparagus with lemon, or pineapple upside-down cake.
• Wine and cheese pairings: Create a gourmet Easter dinner package inclusive of wine and cheese pairings. Suggest pairings like strawberries with brie, asparagus with a crisp white wine, or pineapple with a tangy goat cheese.
• Baking supplies: Partner with the baking aisle to promote items like carrots for carrot cake, strawberries for pies and tarts, and pineapples for tropical desserts.

The shifting trade policies of the new U.S. administration are poised to reshape the global tariff landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

Whether you’re an importer, exporter, or part of the broader logistics ecosystem, practical insights are needed to navigate this evolving environment and stay ahead in the fast-changing world of international trade.

Watch our on-demand webinar and hear our industry experts explore what these changes could mean for your global supply chain. With the right knowledge, you’ll be more prepared to leverage these shifts for a competitive edge.

Planning considerations

Evaluate your supply chain against the changing tariff landscape.

Identify risks

• Assess exposure to tariffs (products and vendor reliance)
• Evaluate price elasticity
• Consider your time and resources available to adjust supply chain
• Consider assumed direction of tariffs

Conduct research

• Identify current free trade agreements globally
• Understand capabilities (or lack) in potential countries
• Evaluate the time, effort, and cost to change.

Plan scenarios