<p> Sweet onions, represented mostly by Vidalia onions, are leading the onion category in largest dollar sales, according to new research conducted by Nielsen Perishables Group on behalf of the Vidalia Onion Committee. <B>Sweet onions represent 35% of dollar sales in the onion category, 62% of which are represented by Vidalia onions</b>. In addition, Vidalia onion sales grew by 12%, while all other sweet onion sales grew by only 5%, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “This is exciting news to learn that when in season, <B>Vidalia onions play such a key role in driving the growth of sweet onion sales nationwide</b>,” said Kevin Hendrix, Chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee. “Our previous consumer research reveals that 91% of consumers are familiar with Vidalia onions and they associate them with superior, sweet flavor, so it’s great to match the consumers’ perceptions with the actual sales results.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The study analyzed national sales data between 2012 and 2013 and reviewed retail performance. The results found that Vidalia volume growth at 8% outpaced total onions at 4% during the April 20 – August 17, 2013 season.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> In terms of retail performance, the study found that the top five performing retailers were successful because they had <B>higher distribution of Vidalia Onions across all stores, were more focused on Vidalia onions in terms of product and promotions, and provided more of an assortment of bulk and bagged Vidalia onions, especially with the 5 lb bag and 40 lb box.</b><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “This study clearly shows that the top retailers realize the importance and strength of Vidalia onions as an integral of their onion program,” said Susan Waters, Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Committee.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> If you’d like to see the full report, you can e-mail Waters at the following address: <a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=Full Vidalia Onion Research Report"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">[email protected]</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.vidaliaonion.org" target="_new"> Vidalia Onion Committee </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
