Page 40 - index

“Pouches provide an important method for communicating information, for example, about a new variety and provide time-starved consumers with additional convenience.”
At Stemilt Growers, Pepperl notes the heavy focus on more bag programs, espe- cially their kids program – Lil Snappers. “We’re doing a lot of display-ready cartons for 2018. We think our kids’ program is a real game-changer.” According to Pepperl, Stemilt will move millions of Lil Snappers, which are available in a convenient and re-sealable pouch bag.
Appealing to kids also is a priority for Chelan Fruit. Its Rockit Shuttle Pack is fondly dubbed the ‘Millennial Moms Cookie Jar.’ Rockit, in its third year of domestic produc- tion, is a proprietary variety that Chelan Fruit has the rights to grow, pack and ship in North America. Packed in 3-lb clear plastic jars, it is typically priced around $5.99 at retail and contains 15-19 apples, approximately 1 7/8.” Rockit also comes in a 2-lb retail pouch bag.
Lyons says with so many varieties it is easy for retailers to create attractive apple displays using both the older varieties, such as Red Delicious and Granny Smith, as well as newer favorites such as Gala and Honeycrisp.
“Always use signage,” she says, adding, “and for varieties consumers might not be familiar with, offer a brief description of the flavor.” Lyons also recommends cross merchan- dising with related products in order to help consumers think of ways to use apples besides the tried and true ‘out-of-hand’ eating.
WHAT’S NEXT?
There is no ‘asleep at the wheel’ for WSU’s apple-breeding program. With the enor- mous positive consumer response to new
and more flavorful varieties, the race is on for the premier apple-breeding programs across the country. WSU’s Evans notes while the University’s breeding program crosses apples every year, and the program continues to evolve, “decisions are only made on varieties suitable for release.”
Likewise, at Cornell University, which is consistently busy, Ruby Frost and SnapDragon were recently launched. At the University of Minnesota, SweeTango and Zestar were the most recent varieties introduced to the market. Because taste is foremost on consumers’ minds, the unique flavor profiles of these newest vari- eties are helping generate excitement on apple sales for the foreseeable future.
New varietal introductions are a tricky and potentially risky endeavor. Ray Norwood, director of sales and marketing for Auvil Fruit Co, Orondo, WA, which features the Gee Whiz brand, summarizes the determining factor on how, and when, new apple varieties come to market. “When developing new varieties, we start small and work with our customers. We have limited acreage. While Honeycrisp started as a fruit stand apple, it’s taken decades to get to where it is. Getting behind a new brand is challenging.” pb
40 / AUGUST 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS