GLENNVILLE, GA - Each year, consumers eagerly anticipate the Vidalia® Sweet Onion season, coveting the beloved variety for its distinctive mild, sweet flavor. Retailers are gaining the opportunity to maximize the merchandising power of this beloved offering as Bland Farms® announces an extended Vidalia season. For the first time in years, the supplier’s Vidalia Sweet Onions will be available through October.
"We have a rather unique opportunity this year because of a bumper crop," said Delbert Bland, Owner. "We typically supply Vidalia Sweet Onions until the end of August, but this year, thanks to exceptional weather and advanced storage technology, we will have a supply until the first part of October. The winter wasn't cold enough to damage the crop, and we enjoyed a perfect spring.”
Bland Farms typically transitions from Vidalias to Premium Sweet Onion from Peru by early to mid-August, a press release explained. However; due to this year’s bumper crop, the onion supplier will now export the early portion of its Peruvian onions to international markets.
"We’ve started harvesting in Peru, but with so many Vidalias still in storage, we’ll export our early Peruvian crop,” Bland explained. "It's a good problem to have, and we are committed to keeping Vidalias on the shelf as long as possible."
Playing a key role in the extended availability of Vidalia Sweet Onions, Bland Farms optimizes state-of-the-art controlled-atmosphere storage rooms that allow the onions to retain their quality and flavor, ensuring they come out of storage as fresh and delicious as when they were first harvested.
"The quality is excellent, and they look fantastic. Our controlled atmosphere storage helps the onions dry, healing any blemishes and maintaining their premium quality," Bland added.
In celebration of the extended season, Bland Farms has aligned with Big Green Egg for the second consecutive year to launch the Gameday Sweetness promotion, which includes social media giveaways from both companies along with promotional point-of-sale materials and extensive support through social media and the Bland Farms website.
To read more about the campaign, click here.
Keep reading ANUK as we continue to report on all fresh produce categories.
