Summer isn’t over yet!

Tons of fruits and vegetables are in their peak season in August. Here are some tips to help these products sell!


At the 2017 FMO Symposium, farmers’ market educator Michelle Wolf emphasized that vendors are actually selling themselves—not just their produce. Research shows that shoppers are more likely to buy from vendors who are smiling, easy to talk to, engaging, knowledgeable, answer questions and give advice on product usage.

Stress seasonality—it adds urgency by suggesting: “Now’s the time to buy!”

Let customers know that the produce you’re selling is specifically in season this month! Have some recipe cards available for customers, either on paper at the market or available on the market’s social media page, that showcase these seasonal items. Or, come up with some tips on how to cook the perfect blueberry pie or the best ice cream to pair with freshly cut peaches. Consider sharing your favourite summertime barbecue memories.

You are knowledgeable about your products and the recipes that work best, so show off and share! This will create the connection that customers look for when purchasing items at farmers’ markets.

Think of signs as “silent salesmen”—and put them to work!

Michelle’s research also shows that clear and informative signage is a key consideration in terms of which stands customers will buy from. This means that naming items correctly and clearly, including photos and cooking information and giving information on farm practices are all super important. If you sell uncommon fruits or vegetables like gooseberries or radicchio, a clear sign or label will not only tell customers what it is but will also help them feel comfortable asking questions about the product. (Better still; include preparation and serving tips on the sign.)

Another silent salesman is your market stand itself.

The general presentation of your market stand is critical. Keep it clean, organized and clutter-free. But make sure you’re piling your produce high to convey a sense of abundance and to encourage customers to buy LOTS. Also, break up big swaths of green with contrasting colours. It will make your stand seem more vibrant, exciting and appealing.  (Click here for tips on great displays.)

The two things that help sell fruits and vegetables the most.

While pricing and the product itself are obviously important to customers, Michelle’s research shows that PEOPLE and SIGNAGE are the most important factors when customers are deciding what stand to buy from.

Click here for a link to more from Michelle.

What’s in now?

August fruits: apple, apricots, blueberries, currants, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, watermelon and more.

August vegetables: artichokes, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, leeks, lettuce, snow peas, peppers, potatoes, spinach, squash, tomatoes, zucchini and more.

Some more useful tips can be found at these links: