When the ever-so-popular “beer flight” concept made its debut in the world of food, I knew exciting things were in store for fresh produce. From delicious mashed potato spreads elevated by an array of toppings to fresh Jalapeños stuffed with everything from cream cheese to hot Cheddar, consumers have been eager to welcome this creative take to the culinary scene, with fresh produce leading the charge.
Sparked in early 2025 and only continuing to swell, shoppers’ growing interest in food flights is creating opportunities in the produce department, as the fun food trend is a premium source of inspiration for cross-merchandising strategies and themed displays. A creative display introducing shoppers to the potato flight could drive multi-category growth by cross-merchandising with peppers, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, and other toppings. Even spotlighting sweet recipes like a waffle or ice cream flight can boost produce traffic by promoting fresh fruit like berries, bananas, peaches, and mangos as toppings.
Here are some categories already primed for takeoff…
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Onions
- Plantains
- Avocados
- Mushrooms
- Cucumbers
- Apples
- Peaches
- Pineapples
- Dates
- Carrots
The ideas for a fresh-forward food flight are virtually limitless—which means so are the cross-merchandising opportunities.
Enticing in-store displays are increasingly crucial for capturing the attention of today’s shopper. According to the International Fresh Produce Association, “in-store displays and promotions sway produce purchases more effectively than print ads, online banners, or social media,” emphasizing that elevating produce’s visibility with strategic merchandising is a must*. In addition to influencing department displays, the food flight trend can be harnessed as a vehicle for in-store sampling demos, which is another effective strategy for driving impulse buys.
Beyond the physical produce department, retailers can reach consumers digitally with food flight recipes that place produce front and center. Recipe inspiration significantly motivates purchases when engaged with both pre-trip and in-store, according to consumer insights from Potatoes USA**. Digital grocery lists, shoppable recipes, and effective cross-merchandising displays can help bridge the gap between digital recipe inspiration and purchase.
Merchandising inspiration is all around us, and the emergence of the popular food flight brings produce into the spotlight in an exciting new way. Don’t believe me? Do a quick social media search yourself and witness the abundance of fresh!
So, what are you waiting for? Have fun, get creative, and watch produce take flight! 
