The Einsteins of the Produce Game

If you look closely, you can see some decorative items on top of the refrigerated cabinet. Whilst that is not my personal style - it is difficult to avoid such elements of personal creativity.
What I can't handle is when produce clerks try to think for themselves and jeopardise food safety in the process. And yes, the top of the multideck can play its part in that.
Recently observed at my local supermarket: cartons of fresh cut salads stored on top of the refrigerated cabinet - instead of in the rear store cooler. I mean - how stupid can you get?

Dead Flowers Anyone?

There is nothing like a bunch of dead flowers to turn me off my fruit and vegetables. Why would I want to buy fresh produce from someone who is not capable of looking after cut flowers or Cymbidium orchids he has on sale - and then has the audacity of leaving them on display for all the world to see during prime shopping time at midday Saturday?
The produce manager is either thick or does no longer care - or both!

The Fresh Produce Retailer's Lot

Retailers do have a function in life - believe it or not. Their function is to have all the food the consumer wants to buy when she visits the shop on display - including the fresh produce. In the right condition, in the right quantities and at the right price. What's 'right' then?
Well, that is where the problem starts. Retailers believe that it is their role to determine what is 'right' and that does not necessarily meet with universal approval.
Should a retailer, for example, be able to decide whose apples, bananas or potatoes he should stock? Of course he should - after all he pays for the produce. But how far should that go? Where is the boundary line between the unique requirements of a retailer and the systemic needs of the fresh produce industry? And whose job is it to look after 'industry good'?

Room For Improvement

Most supermarket produce departments and greengrocer stores are somewhat better organised than this little gem!
But there is always room for improvement. When were the tomatoes last graded? How old is that lettuce on display? Why are the potatoes developing a green patina? It does not matter how sophisticated the equipment or how technologically advanced you consider the packaging to be - at the end of the day people matter. People and their observation skills. Or in this case - produce clerks and their attention to detail!

Retail is Detail

Did I not say that bananas should be stacked properly?? Here is how properly looks like!
Supermarket produce associates and team members need to start thinking like their customers. Would you buy a battered and bruised banana? Of course you would not. Guess what ! Your customers do not enjoy such an experience either.

Still got bananas on my mind

Yes, I know there are no bananas in this photo - but you can all see the guy rushing up and down the aisles looking for them!
Bananas should always be very prominently displayed - either at the entrance to the department so that the banana display can set the tone for the entire range - or at a suitable strategic location within the department to ensure that customers get to see all the other well displayed produce of excellent quality available for sale in your store!

Bananas

Nothing is as off putting as seeing a half-empty banana display in the fruit and vegetable department. Rule Number 1 therefore: Maintain your banana display throughout the day and keep it well stocked!

Its a Big New World Out There

I have had an e-mail address since 1992 and a website since 2000. I hate static websites, so I am looking for a way to ensure it stays topical and informative. A blog might be part of the answer.

I will use this blog to write about all things produce - good or bad.