Schnucks Produce U to Spotlight Specialty Summer Melons

Schnuck Markets, Inc. is gearing up for another Produce University customer educational event on June 18th in tandem with specialty produce supplier Frieda’s, which invites shoppers to taste and learn about three new specialty melons: Honey Kiss, Golden Kiss and Sugar Kiss.

Titled “A Kiss of Sunshine" and set to take place at all Schnucks and Logli locations in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi, the eight-hour Produce University open-house and tasting event provides shoppers an opportunity to sample and ask their produce managers questions about the featured melons.

“This is Schnucks fifth year doing Produce University events with Frieda’s,” said Mike O'Brien, Vice President of Produce at Schnucks. “The program is an excellent way to introduce consumers to new and exciting produce, which supports Schnucks commitment to promote healthful eating.”

Each Produce U. session begins with an in-depth produce manager training seminar prior to the consumer event to familiarize the produce teams with the featured items, which are selected based on season and popularity. In addition, Schnucks works with Frieda’s to create customized in-store signage, product fact sheets, and take-away consumer brochures. Another key element of the program involves traditional and social media outreach to help spread the word about the upcoming event.

Since 1989, Frieda's Produce University has helped retailers educate consumers with in-depth product information, preparation ideas and samples of the latest specialty fruits and vegetables “Our mission is to change the way America eats fruits and vegetables, and aligning with Schnucks for Produce University helps us influence change in consumers,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s, Inc., whose company has introduced more than 200 specialty items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Spaghetti Squash, Habanero Peppers, Fresh Mangosteen and many more.

Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates 105 stores (including five Logli stores) and 101 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi.