What's "GROWing" On?

Research shows that shoppers who buy organic products are also very concerned about social responsibility. GROW bananas from Organics Unlimited give an effective and easy outlet for those consumers to share their prosperity and feel good about the help they are giving. Sixty cents from every box of GROW bananas you purchase goes directly to the GROW fund to provide medical, dental and educational programs to the communities where our bananas are grown.

Each year, a number of standout students are selected to receive a GROW scholarship, which provides necessary funding for schooling. Without the scholarship, these exceptionally bright students would have limited opportunities and would most likely not be able to afford their education.

Here are profiles of three of this year’s GROW students. Each has a bright future ahead of them because of this opportunity. These are stories your customers would love to hear:

Denia Yadira Villegas Tapia: Denia is 20 years old and is in her 3^rd year at the University of Colima. Earning a 9.34 GPA (out of 10), Denia is studying to be a teacher. She likes all her classes, but really enjoys English. Her parents had only completed primary school, so her father works on the banana plantation while her mother works around the home. Her family is very proud of her for pursuing her goals and dreams!

Toño de Jesús Gutiérrez Grajeda: Toño is 21 years old and in his 3^rd year at University of Colima. He has earned a 9.33 GPA (out of 10) and is majoring in International Business. Raised by his single mother, he often has to help out in the banana fields in order to contribute to his family. He’s excited for the opportunity to further his education and earn a degree that will help him get a good job in the future.

Odalis Margartia Martinez Aguilar: Odalis is 13 years old and is in 8^th grade. She has earned a 9.8 GPS (out of 10) and dreams of one day becoming a teacher. She works very hard in school and her grades prove it. She lives with her grandmother and older brother. Unfortunately, Odalis has no support from her parents. Without the support from GROW, she would not be able to afford necessary school supplies, registration fees and books.

For more GROW stories and POP materials, visit the GROW section of our website.

Chilled Banana Streak is Over!

After a long winter of unusually cold temperatures and chilled bananas, we’re happy to announce that conditions are back to normal–warm and tropical–in the banana growing regions of Mexico. As of this week, we are shipping clean bananas–bananas with the same taste, color, flavor and texture our customers are used to seeing from Organics Unlimited. We have a plentiful supply so be sure to get your orders in! Want ideas to increase your banana sales? Check out recipes that you can share with your customers on our Facebook page, and “Like” us so that you know whenever we add more ideas for you.

Pineapples Now Available!

Sweet, fresh, organic gold pineapples are now available through Organics Unlimited! Pineapples are high in vitamin C and fiber, fat-free, very low in sodium and cholesterol-free. They are the perfect fruit to add to summertime smoothies and drinks, whipped into a salsa, or tossed into a light fruit salad.

Display pineapples next to tropical fruits in the produce section, or even next to bakery items such as pound cakes and cheesecakes. Cross merchandise and display near fresh meats and poultry- pineapple can be grilled for a tasty and healthy topping option for burgers and grilled chicken. Here are some common questions and tips to pass onto your customers:

How to Choose a Pineapple

Often, consumers don’t know what to look for when choosing a fresh pineapple. Here are some tips on how to select a perfect pineapple:

Color: Look for a golden color all the way around the fruit, especially near the base. It is still good and ripe if it has green on the upper portion. Stay away from a dark brown color as this means the fruit is overripe.

Scent: The bottom of the pineapple should have a sweet, fresh scent. If the aroma is too subtle, the pineapple is not ripe enough.

Crown: If the leaves at the crown look dried, this could mean the pineapple is overripe. Make sure the leaves look fresh.

How to Cut a Pineapple

Shoppers can be intimidated when it comes to buying fresh pineapple. Sure, nothing beats the juicy, delicious fruit, but carving through the tough-looking armor of the exterior can appear to be a daunting task. However, cutting a pineapple is quite simple. All you need is a sharp knife and a cutting board.

1. Place the pineapple on its side and cut off the stalk

2. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple

3. Stand the pineapple up and slice the skin off

4. Continue cutting all around the pineapple until all the skin is removed

5. Use the end of a potato peeler to remove any divots

6. Place the pineapple on its side and cut into rings

7. Cut the core out of each slice

Also, today there are some handy tools that make cutting a pineapple a snap. Look for these tools to stock in your store.

Energy on the Go

This quarter, we will be focusing our marketing efforts on incorporating bananas into your customers’ healthy lifestyles.

A new header card is available with wording and imagery that coordinates with the theme. We will also be updating our blog with relevant content, tips and information that you can relay to your customers.

When it comes to choosing a healthy lifestyle, it can be much easier than we think. With a refreshed concern for the foods we eat and the calories we consume, people are more apt to pick healthier foods for themselves and their families. Living healthy is as easy as taking a brisk jog or doing some gardening during the day while adding more fruits, vegetables and grains to your diet. Typical foods that are high in fat, carbohydrates, and calories actually promote lethargy that we can easily notice. One superfood that can easily be incorporated into healthier lifestyles is the banana. Sweet and delicious, organic bananas are very portable and make for the perfect snack. They also give a great boost of healthy energy in the morning for breakfast. You can mix them in a colorful fruit salad or toss them in the blender for a refreshing smoothie. Even the peels can be used for natural garden fertilizer and relieving mosquito bites. Knowing some of the health benefits of organic bananas can help encourage customers to embrace this wonderful food.

• High in energy. Eating 2 bananas will give you enough energy for a 1 hour workout!
• Vitamins. Bananas are extremely high in vitamins and nutrients. They have 5 times as much Vitamin A and Iron, and 3 times as much phosphorus than apples.
• Potassium. Bananas are rich in potassium which helps the body’s circulatory system bring oxygen to the brain. This maintains a regular heartbeat and a proper balance of water in the body.
• Improve your mood. Bananas contain the chemical, tryptophan, which is a mood regulating substance that helps your mind relax so you feel happier. So if you’re feeling down, don’t drown yourself in ice cream, reach for a banana!
• Brain Power. Bananas also promote a healthy mind. The potassium in bananas boosts brain power and makes you more alert and focused.

Anything in particular you’d like to see from Organics Unlimited this quarter? Let us know by posting a comment!