Score An A+ With Back-To-School Produce Sales

Today’s parents aren’t packing school lunchboxes like their parents.

“My lunchbox days included a bologna or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of Cheetos, and a Ding Dong, Twinkie or a Zinger if I was lucky!” says Mike Roberts, vice president of produce operations at Harps Food Stores Inc., a 151-store chain headquartered in Springdale, AR, with locations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Luckily, there are more delicious and healthy choices today.

“We promote items like mandarins, Rockit apples, California grapes, berries, baby carrots, and some snack pack items that we make in-house that include items such as blueberries, grapes, strawberries, nuts, and in some pretzels, cheese, and even a little package of peanut butter, as well as small containers of fresh cut pineapple, watermelon, grapes and even pre-peeled kiwi and mandarins,” Roberts says.

Harps tries to make it as easy as possible on Mom and Dad. “With all the delicious items in the produce department, it should be the go-to place for parents to feed their kids’ bodies and minds.”

NUTRITION & CONVENIENCE

Most students, from tots to teens, don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables to meet the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. For instance, nearly one-third (32.1%) of children ages 1-5 years did not eat a daily fruit. Almost one-half (49.1%) did not eat a daily vegetable during the preceding week, according to 2023-published research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in Atlanta, GA.

The number of U.S. high school students meeting USDA intake recommendations for produce was also low, with 7.1% consuming enough fruits, and 2% consuming enough vegetables, according to a 2021-published CDC report.

“It’s no surprise that parents are eager to get their kids and teenagers to eat healthier, including a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. But the biggest hurdle is convenience. Busy working parents are looking for quick and convenient ways to provide healthier lunches and snacks for school-age kids and teenagers,” says Melissa Mackay, vice president of marketing for Fresh Del Monte North America, in Coral Gables, FL. “Our fresh-cut fruit line, including Gold Extra Sweet pineapple, watermelon, and mango, is one of our most popular products to address these needs.”

STOCK LUNCHBOX BUILDERS

It’s more than just packing lunch, as there’s been a shift in the meals that parents are now required to cover.

“Today’s school-aged kids are also more likely to be involved with sports, clubs and extracurricular activities before and after their classes. This necessitates more packed breakfasts, after-practice snacks, and even the occasional brown-bag dinner,” says Bil Goldfield, director of corporate communications for the Dole Food Company, in Charlotte, NC.

Produce executives need to think like parents when back-to-school shopping in the produce department.

FRUIT STAPLES. Self-packaged, non-refrigerated fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas have long been lunchbox staples kids can eat on the go.

“Rave, a cross between Honeycrisp and MonArk, harvests in early August and is perfect for back-to-school time,” says Brianna Shales, marketing director, Stemilt Growers LLC, in Wenatchee, WA. “It has a fuchsia red color that stands out in displays and an apple juice-type flavor kids love. We offer colorful boxes with school-themed point-of-sale, display bins, pouches and totes.”

“Lunch box apples,” or smaller fruit packaged in a brown-handled lunch bag, are one of the specific produce items spotlighted via creating engaging signed displays at New Seasons Market.

“We’re already known for our chalkboard art, which aligns perfectly with back-to-school,” says Jeff Salchenberg, produce program and category manager for the 21-store chain headquartered in Portland, OR. “The apples are displayed alongside other lunchbox-friendly options, like grab-and-go packs of sweet peppers and sliced cucumbers.”

New Seasons Market also uses in-store media and its social channels to share tips and tricks on preparing healthy, kid-approved lunches with fresh produce.

Research shows that over half of parents who buy mandarins add them to their kids’ lunchboxes (52%), and 41% indicated school as an important consumption occasion, according to Halos Brand Research 2023, conducted on behalf of Wonderful Citrus in Delano, CA.

With all the delicious items in the produce department, it should be the go-to place for parents to feed their kids’ bodies and minds.”

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

“Halos mandarins are offered in 2- or 3-pound bags, or a larger format, 5-pound bag or box, which can provide enough snacks for an entire classroom, sports team or family occasion, which is great for the back-to-school season,” says Zak Laffite, president of Wonderful Citrus, who adds “point-of-sale (POS) displays have been shown to drive 18% faster velocities compared to products merchandised without a display.”

This summer, Wonderful Citrus launched a new POS display showcasing a child’s hand reaching for a Halos mandarin. It will be available to retail merchandisers through October 2024.

In February 2024, the company launched 2-pound bags of organic Wonderful Halos at select retailers to support the increased demand for organic citrus.

Bananas — conventional, organic and babies — are still the big sellers and great for lunches and snacks, says Dole’s Goldfield. “Based on the banana’s ubiquity and close association with back-to-school, our promotional emphasis is helping retailers leverage our 125^th Banana-versary all year-long with contests, partnerships, proclamations, recipes, and special appearances by Bobby Banana, Dole’s 7-foot mascot committed to inspiring healthier living.”

Goldfield adds Dole Food Company just launched mangos and have been working to position this and other less-obvious fruits like dragon fruit as ‘student lunch-worthy’ for children and especially teenagers open to newer tastes. “Today’s school-aged kids are more open to trying new fruits and vegetables than their counterparts just a decade ago.”

Mangos are the spotlight fruit as part of the Dietitian Team’s Power Up for Back-to-School campaign at Coborn’s, a 77-store chain based in St. Cloud, MN, with locations across five Midwest states under Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. The omnichannel campaign includes social media activations, email marketing, e-commerce site features, gas station TV and an in-store PA announcement.

“We partnered with our Fresh Merchandising Team to secure lower mango pricing for August,” says Jessica Talbot, MPPD, RDN, LD, health and nutrition manager. “Our Dietitian Team page of the month-long digital and print ad features the lower pricing on mangos, provides a nutrition message, and directs guests to a video on how to cut a mango. Some activations also include a featured video from our registered dietitians on the components of a nutritious and filling snack.”

SAVORY & SWEET SIDES. Babycarrots have found their way into countless lunchboxes since they started as a product in 1985. This summer, and overlapping with back-to-school time, Grimmway Farms has launched a social media campaign that tells the story of baby carrots, according to David Bright, vice president of marketing for the Bakersfield, CA, grower/marketer.

“The #ILoveBabyCarrots campaign concentrates on the baby carrot product rather than a particular brand, so we encourage all retailers to use our social media posts to promote baby carrot sales in their stores.”

Bite-sized veggies can add fun to compartmentalized bento-style lunch boxes or create kid-friendly snack boards, says Peppe Bonfiglio, vice president of sales for Mastronardi Produce Ltd., in Kingsville, Ontario. The company’s snacking line includes Qukes Teeny Tiny Cucumbers, Angel Sweet Grape Tomatoes, Wild WondersPeppers, and SprinklesTeeny Tiny Tomatoes.

“Their small size is perfect for little hands, and promoting them during the back-to-school season can drive consumer demand,” says Bonfiglio.

Mini or single-serve avocados, marketed under the Tiny Tim brand by L.G.S. Specialty Sales, Ltd., in New Rochelle, NY, are lunch-box size, says James Rasmussen, sales and category manager. “If parents do the cutting and leave the avocado intact, the kids can easily separate the fruit to expose it and spoon the bright green interior to round out their lunch.”

Add a display of bagged avocados and/or clementines near school supplies to elevate the product to shoppers further. Rasmussen adds that bagged fruit can also replace processed snack foods at registers to encourage less sugary snacks for children.

Fall harvest, 4-ounce, snackable pomegranate arils are lunchbox-friendly, according to Jennifer Hirano, vice president of marketing for POM Wonderful, in Los Angeles, CA. “Packaging has significantly enhanced the portability of produce for lunches and snacks through the convenience of pre-packed and single-serving items.”

Nuts are a nutritious, crunchy alternative to snack chips. This year, Wonderful Pistachios introduced its No Shells Jalapeño Lime product, following the trend for spicy snacks.

“Our No Shells flavors come in 2.25-ounce bags, perfect for packing in lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking. For parents seeking a consistent supply of better-for-you snacks, we offer variety packs of No Shells flavors in 0.75-ounce bags. Lastly, we’ve also recently introduced a ‘gravity feed’ point-of-sales display that features five different No Shells flavors in 0.75-ounce bag sizes to encourage trial and capitalize on impulse purchases while shopping,” says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing.

MINI MEAL OR SUBSTANTIAL SNACK. Parents are also looking for wholesome ingredients that offer a balanced combination of fiber, healthy fats, protein and carbs, says Brian Modena, director of product management for Taylor Farms, in Salinas, CA. “Our best-selling snack packs include Turkey & Cheese, Veggies & Dip, and Almonds & Cheese. The newest flavors include Veggies & Guacamole, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, and Buffalo Ranch.”

Broccoli florets, baby carrots, grape tomatoes, and celery sticks are among the fresh-cut veggies in these snack packs.

In August, Naturipe Farms, in Naples, FL, introduced its Berry Buddies. The line includes blueberries, grapes, pretzels, and cheese, as well as blueberries, cookies and cheese. Each is a 3-ounce serving.

BREAKFAST & MIDMORNING SNACK. One of Naturipe’s new Berry Buddies includes a 2.1-ounce packaged blueberries, pancakes, and maple syrup. Additionally, the company’s Snack Bentos mix blueberries with other snacks like dark chocolate chunk granola clusters and salted caramel granola clusters, as well as cheese and nuts, says Steven Ware, vice president and general manager of value-added.

“The film on our Bentos is specifically created for the individual components of each package, creating extended shelf life, all while reducing packaging by 30% with film versus a plastic lid, perfect for stocking up on snacks at the beginning of the week.”

Reichel Foods entered the breakfast space in 2021 with its trio of single-serve PRO2snax to the max selections, which combine produce such as sliced apples and red grapes with petite Belgian waffles, hard-boiled eggs, and bagels with cream cheese.

“To maximize impact, position PRO2snax in high-traffic areas such as end aisles,” recommends Kathy Puckett, vice president of sales and business development for the Rochester, MN-based company. “For promotions, we utilize price deals like two for $3, four for $5, etc., and often promote these offers through additional signage or social media content to drive multiple purchases.”

Fresh Innovations LLC launched its Yo Quiero!-brand Avocado & Egg products in February.

“It is the perfect blend of avocados, hard-boiled eggs, and spices and conveniently packaged in 2-ounce cups, which is the perfect serving size for one piece of toast or half a bagel,” says Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for the Rhome, TX-headquartered company

For back to school, Fresh Innovation’s partnership with Orlando, FL, cause marketing organization, the Healthy Family Project, has driven awareness of the company’s guacamole and mini cups products, adds Murray.

“We’ve provided recipes and back-to-school checklists and have participated in multiple Facebook and social media live events showing different ways to use our product to create healthy snacks.”

SELL MORE

Back-to-school is the perfect time to employ creative selling techniques to boost produce department sales. It’s certainly worth it. Of parents of school-age children, 78% pack lunch at least once per week, and 53% do it three days or more; 80% at least pack snacks, according to 2021-research by Inmar Intelligence, in Winston-Salem, NC. “More than 40% of these parents spend between $50 and $100 on weekly lunches and snacks.”

The Healthy Family Project has hosted a produce-focused back-to-school campaign since 2014, says Amanda Keefer, senior director of marketing and communications. “We share a lot of infographics that highlight combinations that families may not have tried before. These infographics are printable and shareable so that retail dietitians and retailers can use them in stores,” says Keefer.

The Healthy Family Project’s Produce for Kids campaign will run in all Harps Food Stores through the end of the year.

“We are having a three-day back-to-school sale that includes items from all our departments. In produce, we will be promoting Sunrays import mandarins, Chelan Fruit Rockit Apples, Bolthouse Farms Baby Carrots and Sunrays California Grapes, along with some Honeycrisp apples from Washington Family Farms and, for a great snack, some Marzetti apple dips to get those kids to eat more apples,” says Roberts.

Harps, along with Coborn’s, Fresh Thyme, Hy-Vee, Inserra Supermarkets, Meijer, Natural Grocers, Schnucks, The United Family of Stores and Weis Markets, are taking part in an inaugural back-to-school promotion sponsored by The Foundation for Fresh Produce in collaboration with the California Walnut Board, Egg Nutrition Center and National Pork Board. This partnership emphasizes pairing fruits and vegetables with other nutrient-dense foods to create balanced, nutritious eating habits.

“We will share Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits for one week. The TV segment, email marketing, and social media activations will provide hacks to address the decreased produce consumption among school-aged children,” says Coborn’s Talbot.

Hy-Vee will launch the “Hy-Vee Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits” shopper challenge, encouraging families to choose produce more frequently. Meijer offers 100 lucky shoppers an individual consultation with a registered dietitian through Have A Plant Scholarships, focusing on incorporating fruits and veggies into pre-school meals, lunch boxes, and after-school snacks. Schnucks and Weis Markets provide shoppers with product hacks through in-store magazines.

• • •

Marketing Considerations for Retail

By Mike Duff

When it comes to merchandising, Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing, Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, WA, says “Creating impactful apple displays at retail is crucial for driving sales and enhancing the overall shopping experience.”

Key considerations include offering a diverse selection of apple varieties to satisfy consumers with different tastes, using color breaks to separate varieties visually, and potentially adding newer “club” varieties that entice consumers to try something different, she says. In terms of presentation, apples should be front-and-center in a prominent produce department location sure to attract attention.

Merchandising should include both bagged and bulk items as loose fruit still attracts shoppers determined to select their own pieces while packaged apples appeal to convenience-seeking customers. Cider and seasonal elements should appear alongside apples to maximize sales and create a thematic showcase for the new crop season.

At the same time, color breaks to separate varieties visually for consumers remain productive, Komstadius says, while the use of baskets or pre-filled tote bags can lead to impulse purchases of bulk items.

“Effective merchandising not only drives sales but also educates consumers about different apple varieties. By creating visually appealing displays and emphasizing variety, retailers can enhance the overall shopping experience and boost apple sales,” she says.

Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears at Oppy, Coquitlam, British Columbia, says it’s important for retailers to maintain a solid apple presence even when the fruit is not the seasonal star. “Retailers tend to reduce their apple variety sets in the summer, focusing on the best-performing varieties, to make room for seasonal fruits,” he says. “It’s important for retailers to carry a mix of bulk and packaged apples to cater to different consumer preferences.”

Although cherries are a big warm weather deal from the Pacific Northwest, says Brianna Shales, marketing director, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, WA, retailers should continue to push apples not only to build off the volume available in the market, but also to set the stage for the key fall sales period.

“It’s important, even though summer produce is in, to keep plenty of shelf space for apples,” she says. “Promotions on core varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady and Granny Smith will keep the category moving. In peak fall apple season, it’s key to have broad table space for apples in a prominent location. With the array of varieties available today and consumer recognition of them low, we have a big opportunity to educate shoppers about new varieties, ways to use apples and through exciting displays that encourage them to put apples in their cart.  Packaging is beneficial in growing apple sales because it delivers on the convenience that consumers are after and helps grow purchase size.”

Komstadius says retailers can benefit from offering a diverse selection of apple varieties even though there is a practical limit as to how many kinds they can manage effectively. In the Sage experience, retailers typically carry around 10 varieties, along with an organic mix of four to eight bulk and bagged items. Although such guidelines can be helpful, editing to conditions is important so as not to overwhelm shoppers. Response to consumer preference should determine how many varieties and what kind need to be in front of consumers at any given time.

“The key lies in striking a balance between variety, consumer demand, and practicality,” says Konstadius. “By curating a thoughtful selection, retailers can delight customers while optimizing sales and relationships with growers and suppliers.”

In general, displays should catch the attention of any consumer entering the produce department, she said, and Sage can help with numerous point-of-sale bins and marketing materials that can form the basis of displays.

Customers’ purchasing habits have driven change at retail, says Catherine Gipe-Stewart, director of marketing, Superfresh Growers, Yakima, WA,

“The core set at large national retailers now includes Cosmic Crisp,” she says. “The core can shift pending the retailer but is generally Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, and Cosmic Crisp. This is also the top seven, in order of apples by dollar in the U.S. Some retailers have taken out Red Delicious completely, or moved them to a ‘mature status,’ displaying only in markets where a mature apple does well. These top seven core varieties represent 83% of apple dollars and volume and are the literal core of the apple department.”

• • •

Digital Backs up Merchandising

By Mike Duff

Retailers can benefit from backing up their merchandising with not only circular promotion but also through the selective use of other media channels available.

Retailers can engage consumers and provide information across methods and can start with indoor signage and proceed through digital promotions that support merchandising.

“Retail displays must appeal to the consumer whether it catches their eye by its color and size, or by the presentation of new varieties and flavor profiles being offered,” says Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing, Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, WA. “High-graphic, clean packaging can help in catching the consumer’s attention as well. Sage Fruit is committed to providing the highest quality product and service to our customers, and we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of technology and innovation. Our regional marketing and business development team are available to build and create tailored programs that best meet our retailer partners’ needs and drive sales in their produce department.”

For his part, Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears at Oppy, Coquitlam, British Columbia, says that considering all available options in advertising can create opportunity today.

“Traditional marketing methods like circulars still play a role, but digital channels have become more prominent from e-commerce, apps, social media, email marketing, SEM and SEO, content and influencer marketing and more,” he says. “Envy has seen great success with its influencer campaign, partnering with actor and Hallmark Channel star Andrew Walker. Influencer partners provide an authentic and credible endorsement that traditional advertising often lacks, providing good returns.”

Komstadius says electronic marketing is a primary vehicle in consumer outreach these days, whether email campaigns, social media, retail specific apps or some combination. Yet, engaging consumers shouldn’t stop there.

“The omnichannel shopping experience has allowed consumers more access to information around the products they are purchasing. We’ve also found, though, that while plenty of targeted marketing campaigns are effective, getting the product into the consumers hands and mouths still plays a large role in securing repeat purchases,” she says.

Retailers can leverage the use of modern electronic marketing channels relatively easily and inexpensively, which can help boost consumption of a commodity like apples by making the case that it’s fun to go beyond the shopping list and check out what might be on display in-store.

“It’s important to use every channel we can to educate consumers about the different apple varieties and promotions going on in-store,” says Brianna Shales, marketing director, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, WA. “People capture information in so many ways today and digital information is a great way to help meet them where they are with a key message you want to get across to them. Keep it fun and interesting, and help provide shoppers with convenience and easy ideas that they are after.”

• • •

Packaging Preferences for Apples

By Mike Duff

Packaged apples became more popular with consumers in the pandemic because of hygiene concerns and because grabbing a bag took less time shoulder to shoulder with other potentially ill shoppers going through bulk displays, and they remain critical now.

Brianna Shales, marketing director, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, WA, says mixing bulk and packaged apples is part of creating displays generous enough to make consumers pause and to satisfy their desire to check out what’s new and novel, especially in season.

“Consider carrying multiple varieties and packaging options in your apple displays to offer something for different consumer preferences,” she says. “One packaging vehicle we have seen perform well over the last year is a 3-pound apple bag. Of 43% of apples sold in bags, 74% of those were the 3-pound size. The alternative to a 3-pound bag is a 2-pound. That keeps the retail price lower, but drives in less volume. In years with big apple crops, having volume bag offerings is a great way to grow volume and dollar sales.”

Retailers who do a value program can focus on bags, Don Roper, vice president, Honeybear Marketing, says, “to hit certain price points.”

Recognizing who the customers are and what their preferences and priorities might be is central to apple presentation, including what space is necessary to get the best results. A mix of sweet and tart flavors, soft or firm mouth feel, and juiciness of varying degrees are all part of the equation that helps satisfy the range of consumers who buy apples.

“We have to work with a lot harder with our retail customers and then their customers to really explain what’s available on the deck,” says Roper. “In the past, if it was five varieties, it was pretty easy. Now it moves so much more quickly that there is a lot more consumer education.”

Apple season is back-to-school season. So, it’s not surprising that Shales adds, “Lil Snappers kid-size fruit is another apple option that’s designed to appeal to parents and their children looking for a smaller piece of fruit, with the same great taste. One of the biggest benefits of Lil Snappers bags is its ability to self-merchandise with colorful packaging that’s easy to grab and go.”

The preference for packaging remains among many consumers.

“Bulk apples will always have a place on the shelf, which is how we pack a majority of our product: 40-pound, tray pack boxes,” says Komstadius. “Consumers like to be able to have control over the number of apples or the number of pounds they are purchasing. However, when it comes to bags, we have seen a considerable increase in demand for retail-specific, private-label designs and brands that consumers know and love.”

The right mix of bulk to bagged changes by market and must be addressed. “It is important to meet the consumers’ needs within each market,” says Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing, Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, WA. “Bulk apples still outsell packaged on the conventional side, but for the organic category, bags outsell bulk. We focus on meeting with our customers to analyze their category and then try to make assortment recommendations based on market. Focusing on newer varieties bags can certainly help tell the story and provide an additional means of communication to consumers that bulk apples aren’t able to do as effectively.”

In terms of general trends, Shales says, bagged apples have become more of a consumer go to.

“It’s a good idea to keep your apple mix fresh and offer multiple flavor options during the summer season,” she says. “Bringing in a club apple or seasonal apple like Rave can be a good way to encourage consumers to try something new. Another way to keep the category fresh is by substituting a variety for its organic counterpart for a period of time. The key in assortment is setting it to your regional or customer tastes and running multi-variety promotions to keep the apple category fresh and profitable.”

Even if COVID-19 isn’t considered as much of a threat today, Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears at Oppy, Coquitlam, British Columbia, says packaged apples still have their adherents and, so, remain relevant.

“Both bulk and packaged apples are important, but there’s been a notable increase in the popularity of bagged apples due to their typically small size, which are perfect for kid snacks or high-fiber/low-calorie eating plans,” he says. “Consumers seek value, and bags often provide this. It’s crucial to have options for both large and small apples, accommodating different consumer needs. New varieties should be included in both forms to attract customers.”

• • •

Opportunity in Organic Apples

By Mike Duff

Organics are an important segment in the apple business, and retailers should continue to plan how they address demand for them for the full year, as well as during apple season.

“Organic volume has increased year over year for Washington state, and organic apple sales are up 16% year over year,” says Brianna Shales, marketing director, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, WA. “Retailers are getting behind organic promotions again following a year when there wasn’t that promotion opportunity. There’s lots of opportunity to call out organics to consumers this year, and providing plenty of shelf space is a great way to do it.”

Shales recommends stocking shelves with bi-colored, red, green and yellow apples.  

She points out that Stemilt’s Artisan Organics EZ Band package is a “great way to call out apples as organic and serves as a self-merchandising vehicle for bulk organic apples. The EZ Band package is also made from paper board and can be recycled in at-home containers for consumers who value sustainability and the environment.”

Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing, Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, WA, says organics are a part of the apple sector that retailers should examine carefully.

“Organic demand remains high and should continue to do so,” she says.

Roughly 52% of organic consumers are Millennials, and they account for 30% of the U.S. population. The majority of Millennials who are purchasing organic items are also parents. Both sales dollars and sales volume have increased on organic apples this season. “

Still, Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears at Oppy, Coquitlam, British Columbia, says organic apples are having a relatively tough time in the current economic environment.

“The market for organic apples is facing challenges,” he says. “While there is still demand, the premium pricing that organic apples once commanded has decreased, partly due to inflation. Retailers are making decisions based on current economic conditions, which affects how organic apples are merchandised. Clear differentiation and effective use of displays can help but must be balanced with price considerations. Organic SKU availability has always been limited due to the existing demand. This means that not every variety will be merchandised, although available in organic. While this may make the consumer choice less difficult, they may not always be able to buy the best variety.”

At Sage, says Komstadius, Honeycrisp leads organic demand.

“But Organic Gala and Fuji don’t fall too far behind,” she says. “Organic Honeycrisp is a high-end consumer favorite, which has an excellent ring at the register. On the opposite side of that though, Organic Gala and Fuji are an excellent option for the everyday, organic consumer because they are more price-friendly. This season, there are excellent promotional opportunities on all organic apple varieties.”