Strengthening retail success with greenhouse produce: Join the retailer education program
As consumer demand for fresh and flavourful food continues to rise, Ontario’s greenhouse sector is providing a reliable solution: high-quality produce available year-round. Retailers have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend—but to fully benefit, understanding greenhouse growing practices & commodity variety is key. That’s where the Retailer Education Program comes in.
What is the Retailer Education Program?
The Retailer Education Program is designed to equip retailers with essential knowledge about greenhouse grown produce. Whether you are employed by/operate a large grocery chain or an independent store, this program offers valuable insights into growing techniques, sustainability practices, and best strategies for marketing greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Through engaging content and industry expertise, the program helps retailers:
- Understand how greenhouse farming ensures quality, freshness, and consistency.
- Learn sustainable growing methods that greenhouses utilize to reduce waste and optimize resources.
- Gain insights into consumer trends and preferences to better align with market demands.
- Reduce shrink & merchandising techniques to increase profit.
Why Retailer Education Matters
Consumers today are more conscious of how their food is grown and sourced. Studies show that many are willing to pay more for sustainably produced food. By participating in the Retailer Education Program, you’ll gain the tools to effectively communicate the benefits of greenhouse produce—building consumer trust, increasing sales, and enhancing your store’s reputation.
Beyond consumer engagement, the program covers crucial topics like:
- Reducing food waste through proper handling and storage.
- Water and resource conservation in greenhouse farming.
- Integrated pest management for chemical-free produce.
The Greenhouse Advantage for Retailers
Why should retailers prioritize greenhouse produce? The answer is simple: it ensures quality, consistency, freshness and flavour. Unlike traditional field farming, greenhouse-grown vegetables thrive in a controlled environment, allowing:
- Year-round production—keeping shelves stocked, no matter the season.
- Higher yields with less land—greenhouse farms grow up to 20 times more per square meter than outdoor farms.
- Sustainable practices—hydroponic systems and carbon recapture minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, greenhouses allow for a wider variety of produce, from vibrant heirloom tomatoes to crisp mini cucumbers and sweet mini peppers. This diversity helps retailers meet consumer demand for fresh, flavourful, and locally sourced produce.
Meeting Consumer Expectations for Sustainability
With consumers willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, retailers must stay ahead of this trend. The Retailer Education Program highlights how greenhouse growers use cutting-edge technology—such as recycled irrigation, LED lighting, and natural pollination—to produce food responsibly. By sharing this knowledge with customers, you can position your store as a leader in fresh, eco-friendly produce.
Maximize Your Sales Potential
Understanding greenhouse agriculture gives your store a competitive edge. With insights from the Retailer Education Program, you can:
- Enhance product knowledge to better inform customers.
- Boost sales by promoting greenhouse produce benefits.
- Build consumer loyalty with sustainably grown produce with a variety of high-quality offerings.
The Retail Education Program, an online course, will be available to all retailers for free in April 2025.
If you require further information, please contact r.boucher@ontariogreenhouse.com