We're delighted to have as our guest this week longtime produce retail executive Scott Schuette. Over the last 35-plus years Scott has served in leadership roles with Fresh Thyme, Sprouts and Bashas. He’s been recognized as Produce Retailer of the Year and Specialty Food Retailer of the Year. He’s also been so kind to be a regular on this podcast and share his perspective on all kinds of executive topics, from managing across divisions to developing the annual budget to writing to the ad — and many, many more. In this week's episode, Scott and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle discuss best practices for active and passive sampling, including timing, location, supplies, food safety and more; ways to fund sampling and demo events; the value of sampling for repeat sales and customer experience; the importance of sampling for items of variable quality, like seasonal items and items for which the retailer carries multiple brands; the value of sampling as a tool for training associates on key items; which items might not be a great fit for sampling; ways the produce department can partner with other departments in the store to expand sampling into full cooking demos; and much more. Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy!

For more episodes featuring marketing and merchandising perspective, check out this curated playlist for plenty of thought-provoking discussion. 

More Playlists

• Executive Perspective

• Leadership & Training

• Produce Manager Perspective

Podcast Background

This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.

Get Involved

The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn.