I want to love The Fresh Market, but where’s the local?
Don’t get me wrong – Texas grapefruit is amazing – but I didn’t see any Florida citrus.
The only Florida tomatoes I saw were the small grape variety, and I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t scoured through the packages.
The irony of getting stuck in traffic at the Plant City Strawberry Festival on my way to the airport after leaving this store – with no local signage on peak season berries – was not lost on me.
If The Fresh Market wants to win more customers, people have to feel like it’s a unique experience with carefully curated flavors.
These produce departments are designed to entice shoppers into a fantastic eating experience. The in-house fresh-cut and prepared meals are gorgeous.
But I feel like an emphasis on local – especially in Florida – is missing.
I want to love The Fresh Market, but where’s the local?
Don’t get me wrong – Texas grapefruit is amazing – but I didn’t see any Florida citrus.
The only Florida tomatoes I saw were the small grape variety, and I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t scoured through the packages.
The irony of getting stuck in traffic at the Plant City Strawberry Festival on my way to the airport after leaving this store – with no local signage on peak season berries – was not lost on me.
If The Fresh Market wants to win more customers, people have to feel like it’s a unique experience with carefully curated flavors.
These produce departments are designed to entice shoppers into a fantastic eating experience. The in-house fresh-cut and prepared meals are gorgeous.
But I feel like an emphasis on local – especially in Florida – is missing.
Pamela Riemenschneider is the Retail Editor for Blue Book Services.
