Use these merchandising tips to help make pork the star of the grill this summer.

Summer-ize Your Meat Department
Nothing says summer like a grill! Set up a disposable grill, some charcoal, or maybe a small beach umbrella in the meat department, to get customers in that summer frame of mind. Have meat staff wear colorful “grilling” aprons to give the meat department a casual, summertime feel.

Sign ‘em Up!
For customers looking for easy meal solutions, sometimes all it takes is a hint! Create signage that says, “How about pork on the grill tonight?” Simple signage will help keep customers focused on fresh pork.

Merchandise with Barbecue Sauces and Rub Ingredients
You know your customers will be looking for their favorite barbecue sauce to brush on ribs, so keep a variety of popular barbecue sauces within easy reach of the meat case. Team up with the produce department and merchandise with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil and thyme that make great rubs for fresh chops.

Sponsor a Giveaway
Consider a Father’s Day promotional giveaway, like a set of grill utensils or a nice apron that dad can use when he’s “Master of the Grill.” Customers that purchase either pork chops or ribs could enter to win.

Don’t Forget Featuring
Feature pork prominently and consistently in your ad circulars, to draw customers to your meat case and keep fresh pork sales high throughout the summer. Fresh pork’s wide product variety gives you a range of potential price points so that you can appeal to consumers from a value perception all the way to higher-ring item opportunities.

Provide Easy Recipes
Create simple recipe cards. Customers like knowing they can make a delicious dinner with minimal prep time, and these recipes are just the ticket for easy summertime grilling:

BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Girls’ Dry Rub and Mop Sauce offer a double dose of flavor from both a tasty dry rub and a tangy barbecue sauce.

Fire-Cracker Pork Ribs are dynamite; they get their zing from a zesty rub.

Hot and Spicy Spareribs’ delicious, messy barbecue sauce will have you rolling up your sleeves.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops with Seasoned Butter are elegant and flavorful.

 

Coriander Pepper Chops pack a great savory/sweet flavor punch.

 

Dad’s Grilled Pork Chops with Savory Steak Butter provide classic pork taste enhanced with a simple butter.

 

Incorporate some of these ideas into your summer merchandising, to keep your pork sales sizzling!