GREENCASTLE, PA - The Peruvian sweet onion season is fast approaching, and you know what that means! Progressive Produce division Keystone Fruit Marketing is gearing up to satisfy industry demand across the United States and Canada with its premium-quality Peruvian Mayan Sweets.
"We are very pleased with the initial quality of this year's harvest and are excited to kick off the Peruvian onion season," said Sweet Onion Commodity Manager Matthew Gideon. "Although the weather has presented challenges due to El Niño conditions, resulting in smaller-sized early season onions, we expect normal size profiles and a return to average yields as the season progresses."
The Peruvian sweet onion season runs from late July to March, with peak supply between September and January. As Keystone explained in a recent release, the season offers abundant opportunities for sweet onion enthusiasts to savor this sought-after item’s distinctive flavors and versatility.
And while on the topic of versatility, Keystone has offered up innovative strategies to boost sales through cross-merchandising.
"In the Meat Department, cross-merchandising our Mayan Sweets with meat products such as burgers, sausages, and steaks creates enticing opportunities for consumers, driving sales for sweet onions and meat products," suggested Gideon. "Similarly, cross-merchandising Mayan Sweets with tomatoes, peppers, salads, and squash in the produce department generates additional sales. With onions enjoying a high household penetration, consumers are constantly seeking new and creative ways to savor sweet onions."
Keystone's Mayan Sweets are well-recognized as a respected and established brand with a historic legacy.
"Our Peruvian Mayan Sweets are delicious raw and fantastic when lightly cooked, grilled, or caramelized," added Gideon. "They enhance the flavors of salsas, sandwiches, burgers, kabobs, relishes, and toppings. Their unique taste profile and versatility make them an ideal ingredient in various culinary creations."
After venturing into Peruvian sweet onions in the early 1990s, Keystone is now one of the largest importers of Peruvian sweet onions into the U.S.
"We value our relationships with our growers and customers, and we pride ourselves on the integrity we carry through all those relationships," said Gideon. "Bringing high-quality onions from our growers to our retail partners' stores is what we love to do at Keystone!"
Get in touch with Gideon to see how you can harness this coveted variety to boost your onion sales!
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