Organic kale has seen steady increases in sales over the years, and now it represents more than 80% of the kale category sales. Kale is still a wildly popular organic item, accounting for nearly 3% of total organic produce sales. Consider displaying kale with other organic greens to create a one-stop shop for greens in your produce department.
Promote organic kale as a healthy, sustainably grown “superfood.” It is nutrient dense and appeals to consumers looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Include organic kale in juicing promotions as well as in salad promotions. Consider cross-merchandising it with organic bagged salads, organic salad dressing and croutons, organic vinegar and sea salt.
Promote organic kale as a hearty ingredient to add to soups during the winter. Include organic broth and organic meat in the promotion.
Organic kale is traditionally served as a summertime side dish, so promote it during the summer as a tasty addition to the plate.
Displaying organic kale next to conventional kale can create a larger display. Just be sure the appropriate barriers are in place to avoid cross-contamination. Consider displaying kale with other organic greens to create a one-stop shop for greens in your produce department.
Consider offering both organic green kale and organic red kale to create options for your organic consumers.
Organic kale is a popular juicing item, so consider making a juicing display that includes popular juicing vegetables like organic kale, beets and carrots. Include juicers and other juicing supplies in your display.
Include preparation tips and recipes on your organic kale display. While many consumers know kale is good for them, they may have no idea how to prepare it.
Shipping
Organic kale is often shipped in 24-count cartons but is available in cartons of varying weights.
Grades
U.S. No. 1
U.S. Commercial
Handling
Temperature: 32 F, 0 C
Relative humidity: 90-95%
Mist: yes
Typical shelf life: 10 to 14 days
Ethylene-sensitive. Do not store or transport with commodities that produce ethylene.
Cracked ice around and in packages may help extend shelf life. Keep at proper humidity levels to prevent wilting.
