How Produce Brands and Organizations Can Collaborate With Retailers To Drive Sales
At Fusion, we've seen firsthand how strategic, insight-driven collaboration between produce brands, industry organizations, and retailers can transform performance at the shelf — and far beyond. In an increasingly competitive and data-driven marketplace, building stronger retail partnerships isn't just a best practice. It's a business necessity.
So how can produce brands work more effectively with retail partners to gain shelf space, increase visibility, and drive sales? Drawing from years of experience and real-world successes, here are five proven ways to maximize the value of your retail relationships.
1. Lead with Insight — Not Just Product
Retailers are inundated with product pitches. What cuts through the noise? Data and insight. Produce brands that come to the table armed with category intelligence, shopper behavior trends, and performance benchmarks are far more likely to influence assortment decisions. At Fusion, we help clients leverage syndicated data, consumer research, and retail analytics to deliver persuasive, actionable stories that speak the retailer's language and support shared goals.
Case in point: One of our clients used regional consumption data to demonstrate untapped avocado demand in a key market. The result? Expanded shelf space, targeted merchandising, and a measurable lift in sales.
2. Co-Create Promotions That Work for Their Shoppers
A promotion that wins in the field feels like a win at the register. Successful produce marketers collaborate with retailers to develop in-store and digital promotions that align with retailer calendars, shopper needs, and strategic priorities. Whether it's seasonal tie-ins, loyalty program integration, or digital couponing, custom-tailored solutions consistently outperform one-size-fits-all campaigns.
TIP: Offer flexible options and creative support like turnkey POS materials or digital ad units that make execution easy for retail partners.
3. Merchandising Matters — Make It Easy and Effective
Strong merchandising support is one of the fastest ways to deepen retail relationships. But it must go beyond the basics.
Support your retail partners with display solutions that maximize visibility and make your product easy to shop. From freestanding bins to QR codes that link to recipes or sustainability stories, produce brands and organizations can enhance the in-store experience while reinforcing their value. Better yet? Use performance data to demonstrate how your merchandising efforts have driven results.
4. Be a Resource, Not a Request
Retailers want partners, not just vendors. Brands that consistently offer value — through shopper insights, labor-saving tools, or category leadership — earn more attention and shelf space.
Fusion often helps brands create retailer-facing content, such as sales tools, performance dashboards, and interactive merchandising guides, that empower store teams and decision-makers. These tools don't just support current programs — they set the stage for future collaboration.
5. Measure, Optimize, and Repeat
Sales lifts are just the beginning. To build enduring partnerships, produce brands and organizations should measure results, share findings, and refine strategies together with their retail partners. Whether it's tracking campaign ROI or conducting post-season recaps, transparent performance reviews foster trust and continuous improvement.
Partnership is a Two-Way Street
Retailers need brands that understand their business, their shoppers, and their challenges. And produce brands and organizations need partners who are willing to innovate and collaborate. When both sides commit to shared success — backed by strategy, insight, and great messaging — everyone wins.
At Fusion, we help produce brands and organizations build lasting, profitable retail relationships through data-powered marketing, strategic storytelling, and impactful retail programs.
Want to explore how Fusion can help your brand grow through stronger retail partnerships? Contact us to start a conversation.