Radicchio & Chicory Toolkit
Radicchio is in Season – and in Style
As demand for unique, heirloom produce grows, now’s the time to explore and expand your selection of organic radicchios and chicories. Ubiquitous in Italy, these vibrant, bitter greens have been rapidly gaining traction with eaters in North America. While some varieties from California and Mexico are available year-round, the Northwest crop kicks off in October and extends into winter for the perfect opportunity to bring shoppers an exciting alternative to lettuce during cooler months.
Thanks to their versatility and long shelf life, these fridge-hardy greens are a colorful and practical addition to produce sets, offering everything from small, tender leaves to larger, more robust heads in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.
Paired with its growing popularity among chefs and home cooks alike, you’ve got a seasonal favorite that is high-interest and can stand out in your store, creating differentiation for your department and a seasonal feel. Plus, the trend toward bitter, complex flavors—think dark chocolate, hoppy IPAs and turmeric—is creating the perfect moment for radicchio to shine.
Eaters know that bitter is better, making radicchio and chicories a sought-after fixture at restaurants and on homemade plates. Now’s the time to plan fall sets and inspire your shoppers to explore the colorful, bold flavors of this delicious category.
Use all the resources in this toolkit to educate staff and introduce radicchio and chicory to your eaters to drive sales!