What is Croptober?
By Gillian Puma"Croptober" has become a buzzword in the cannabis world, especially as the fall season approaches. Similar to how traditional farming has its harvest season, cannabis cultivation also hits its peak in October when outdoor-grown plants are ready for picking. For both dispensaries and cultivators, this time of year is crucial because it marks a flood of fresh, outdoor-grown cannabis products.
With this seasonal harvest, dispensaries can look forward to an influx of top-quality flower hitting their shelves. Thanks to the sheer volume of the harvest, consumers often see better deals and lower prices due to the boost in supply, making Croptober a perfect time for dispensaries to roll out promotions and spotlight new products.
From a retail perspective, it’s smart for dispensaries to plan ahead and take full advantage of the season. Here are some suggestions for retailers to follow to prepare for Croptober:
● Offer limited-time promotions: This is a chance to leverage the increased supply of fresh cannabis by running seasonal sales on popular strains and products.
● Host Croptober-themed events: Engage with the local community with in-store or virtual events that celebrate the harvest season, creating excitement around the influx of new products.
● Educate customers on outdoor-grown cannabis: Highlight the benefits of outdoor cultivation, such as richer terpene profiles, sustainability, and eco-friendly methods, to differentiate your offerings.
● Create targeted marketing campaigns: Promote the new arrivals and discounts via email, social media, and in-store displays to drive traffic and encourage repeat business.
Croptober is just as beneficial for cultivators too! These suggestions below are great to follow for cultivators, in and out of the retail dispensary space. For cultivators, they can leverage this Croptober season by:
● Promoting Sustainability: Take this time to endorse the eco-friendly methods used in outdoor growing, positioning your brand as a leader in sustainable cannabis cultivation. Focus on the environmental benefits that come with sungrown cannabis, such as the comparative energy consumption or natural sunlight vs. artificial lighting.
● Collaborate with Dispensaries: Partner with retail locations to offer exclusive strains or limited-edition product lines harvested during Croptober. This creates a unique selling point for both cultivators and dispensaries.
● Host farm tours or virtual educational events: Engage customers by showcasing the growing process, whether that’s through an in-person farm tour or a virtual event. This allows cultivators to build direct relationships with consumers while highlighting the care and effort that goes into producing quality cannabis.
● Leverage Croptober as a brand-building opportunity: Position your farm or brand as a leader in outdoor cannabis cultivation, cultivators can increase brand awareness and establish themselves as go-to sources for premium, eco-friendly cannabis.
Croptober serves as a pivotal time in the cannabis industry, offering immense value to both dispensaries and cultivators. By leveraging this season to its fullest potential, both sectors can enhance their brand presence and position themselves for continued success as they ride the momentum of the fall harvest into the year-end.