During the 2018-19 Peruvian sweet onion season, Reidsville, Georgia-based Shuman Farms led the industry, importing nearly 1,100 containers of Peruvian sweet onions for U.S. distribution, says John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms. This season, similar production is planned for the company.

Potatoes are staples of the produce department and usually find themselves among the top sellers each year.

Producers of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables continuously work to develop innovative packaging with consumer trends in mind.

Fresh-cut produce, packaged in all forms, continues to be a popular choice for today's busy shoppers who are looking for healthy, on-the-go options for themselves and their family.

Juliemar Rosado, director of retail and international marketing for the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), Winter Springs, Florida, says with a category item like watermelons, good merchandising is important because it confirms the value, health and versatility of the product, which are some of the primary drivers for watermelon sales.

As things heat up this summer, shoppers are looking for unique produce options to energize their outdoor party platters and for poolside snacking.

Avocados continue to excel as a top fruit drawing customers into produce departments coast to coast. And although the California crop was greatly reduced this season due to extreme heat and wildfires, the industry remains optimistic that there will be plenty available to spread on toast and liven up parties in guacamole dishes.

As of late March, the weather has been favorable with no major freeze issues and sufficient chill and dormancy needed for a quality pear crop, says Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of the Milwaukie, Oregon-based Pear Bureau Northwest.

As retailers anticipate the peak of the apple seasons, they should remember that when promoted properly, these popular commodities can drive seasonal sales.

Weather across the country appears to have been favorable so far for this year's tree fruit crops, with seasons' arrivals being slightly delayed.