<p>Malena Produce has released details of its major study of the Eggplant Category, with the goal of helping retail customers have a better understanding target customers to maximize sales.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> To help its customers understand the Eggplant Category further, Malena Produce has developed a three-year analysis termed Leading Eggplant Indicators (LEI) to understand the demographic criteria of eggplant purchasers, according to a press release. Some of the highlights and implications of its analysis include:<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">· Total U.S. Consumption of eggplant has been relatively flat for three years, but other regions of the country are gaining share from the traditionally-dominant Northeast. There was a rise in the percentage of respondents from 22% in 2011 from 18% in 2010. The consumption level was 21% in 2012, however.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">· Consumers between the ages of 40-49 bought the most eggplants in 2011, pointing to households with growing families as a key potential target<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">· Large-family (3+ kids) consumption of eggplant has increased substantially over the past two years<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">· The small family (1 child) and the larger 3+ kids household should be addressed by retailers when planning eggplant promotions<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Economic situations also pointed to various trends. For example, during 2011, higher-income households buying eggplant increased to 39% from 29% in 2010, but later decreased to 34% in 2012.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The study suggests that retailers should focus on supplying top-quality conventional product in innovative displays, packs, etc. to attract new customers, ensure shopper loyalty, and grow the category.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">In summary, the study shows that eggplant consumption has not changed too much recently, but those who buy it have. Malena Produce is focused on identifying the reasons for this demographic shift and digging deeper into the ideal consumer target profile for eggplant.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://malenaproduce.org" target="_new"> Malena Produce </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
