Peaches Make Autumn Sweet

Fall peaches are an impulse item that retailers should capitalize on.

U.S. fall peaches are known as late-season peaches and are harvested outside the peak peach season, from late September to mid-October. Fall peaches are primarily grown in states with warm climates and a longer growing season, such as California, Georgia and South Carolina, which allows for consumers to enjoy a continuous supply of the fresh fruit.

No shortages of fall peaches are expected this fall, but that can be hard to predict since weather and growing conditions can impact availability. All growers and retailers can do is closely monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.

“We have a long way to go until fall peaches are harvested, but on paper, we are planning to harvest them through mid-October. So far, this spring, peaches have been flavorful, and the overall quality has been excellent. Hopefully, Mother Nature is kind to us and this trend will continue into autumn,” says Kevin Steiner, director of business development, Mountain View Fruit, Reedley, CA.

“2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for Georgia peaches. Thanks to excellent growing conditions and a strong bloom, we’re expecting a robust harvest of high-quality fruit,” predicts Matthew Kulinski, director of marketing, Georgia Department of Agriculture, headquartered in Atlanta. “Georgia growers are reporting healthy yields, rich flavor profiles, and the kind of vibrant color and firmness that retailers and consumers have come to associate with our peaches. It’s a perfect year to bet on Georgia,” he says.

“In our market area, we rely heavily on southern peaches,” adds Mike Roberts, vice president of produce operations, Harps Food Stores, Inc., Springdale, AR.

Fall peaches tend to be an impulse item that retailers should capitalize on. Choosing tried-and-true peach variety favorites and introducing consumers to new varieties are important in order to drive sales.

“This fall, you should see a strong presence of popular freestone varieties, such as Flame Prince, August Prince and Autumn Prince,” says Kulinski. “These varieties are known for their exceptional juiciness, full flavor and versatility, from fresh eating to baking. And this year, they’re arriving with great size and quality.”

Roberts says many of Harps’ fall peaches come from Titan Farms, and their Lori Anne variety is a customer favorite for consistent quality and flavor.

“We’ve also seen growing popularity with white flesh peaches, which offer a sweeter, lower-acid experience that appeals to a wide range of shoppers. And we look to finish the fall season strong with the Wawona variety, formerly known as Prima Gattie. It’s a fantastic late-season peach that gives us a great quality option to close out the season on a high note,” he says.

Steiner, of Mountain View Fruit, predicts that the big volume fall peaches will be Flame and SF 34 in September, Autumn Flame and Prima Gattie in late September, and Autumn Rich through mid-October. There may also be new varieties in the works.

“We are constantly testing new varieties. But it’s important that the fruit is flavorful, and the timing must be right,” he says. Mountain View Fruit participates in breeding programs, with test blocks and a tasting center just steps away from its team office.

According to Kulinski, Georgia growers continuously work hand-in-hand with university researchers and horticulturists to develop more resilient, flavorful varieties that extend the harvest window. “There’s a growing interest in heat-tolerant peach trees and varieties that can better withstand unpredictable weather, while still delivering the signature Georgia flavor. Innovation is always rooted in taste, and Georgia remains at the forefront,” he says.

PUSH PEACH SALES AT THE RETAIL LEVEL

It is important for growers and distributors to work closely with retailers because produce managers are familiar with which peach varieties are most popular and what shoppers look for in a peach.

“In the United States, peaches are one of the top impulse items in the produce department, with a shopper purchasing about 4 pounds of peaches per year. At Mountain View Fruit, we want to make sure we have the right varieties shipping in the right windows to ensure the best quality and experience for the consumer. We are here to partner with and learn from our retailers, and this takes all of us working closely together to grow consumption. If we can help drive extra purchases with late-season fruit, this is a win for both the category and the retailer,” says Steiner.

In the United States, peaches are one of the top impulse items in the produce department, with a shopper purchasing about four pounds of peaches per year.

— Kevin Steiner, Mountain View Fruit, Reedley, CA

Quality is the driving force when stocking peaches in the retail store. “Above all, we need a ripe peach,” says Roberts of Harp’s Food Stores. “Customers want fruit they can enjoy the same day they bring it home, and if the peach isn’t ready to eat, it creates disappointment. We recommend avoiding cold storage when possible and keeping peaches in the backroom, as opposed to the cooler. This helps to maintain the proper temperature for ripening.”

Fall offers many opportunities for retailers to push peach sales. Cross-merchandising is one approach, such as pairing peaches with fresh berries; bakery items, such as pound cake, shortcakes and pie shells; cheese from the deli; center store staples, such as honey, granola and canning supplies; and even wine.

“Cross-merchandising is key to increased peach sales in the fall,” says Kulinski. “Think peach salsa pairings, grilling displays with Georgia-grown poultry and Vidalia onions, or bundling peaches with shortcake and whipped cream for dessert-ready baskets.”

“Since peaches are such an impulse item, demos always help, and display location is crucial. Having a full, fresh display that is rotated frequently in a high-traffic area is a way to capitalize on additional sales,” adds Steiner.

In-store tastings, recipe cards using peaches, and seasonal signage are other ways to turn browsers into buyers. Planning promotions around peak harvest windows and working with trusted suppliers who understand retail needs and volume expectations can also increase fall peach sales.

Tote bagging peaches is another way to drive sales. “It’s one of our go-to strategies because it’s simple, effective, and increases both units and dollar sales. It’s convenient for the customers and boosts the overall ring at the registers,” says Roberts.

Educating shoppers on the sources of fall peaches can also increase fall peach sales. “Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling, so posting the history of a peach source can create loyal customers,” says Kulinski. “Our peaches from Georgia, for example, are tree-ripened, hand-picked, and shopped quickly to preserve that just-picked flavor. We encourage retail buyers to plan promotions around peak harvest windows and to work with trusted suppliers who understand retail needs and volume expectations.”

“There is a multitude of creative ways we can partner with retailers to help push peach sales. As Labor Day approaches, Mountain View has developed the Autumn Ripe label so that retailers can transition displays from our Summertime and Summeripe brands to Autumnripe. We also have a full complement of autumn-themed merchandising bins, materials, and digital tools to help communicate to the consumer that it’s still stone fruit season and our later peach varieties are full of flavor,” says Steiner.

If you can get that sweet smell in the air, it lifts not only peach sales, but the entire department.

— Mike Roberts, Harps Food Stores, Inc., Springdale, AR

But Roberts believes that one of the most effective selling tools is simply the aroma of ripe peaches. “If you can get that sweet smell in the air, it lifts not only peach sales, but the entire department,” he says.