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are to package in environmentally friendly packaging. e reduction of plastic is a huge priority, and use of compositable, biodegrad- able and sustainable choices is increasing.”
Tote bags are tremendously popular from harvest into December, growers say.
“It’s the farm stand appeal that retailers want to bring into the supermarket,” says Stanley Orchards’ Maresca. “We’re seeing more requests for private label totes, yet often these don’t include the New York logo like shipper packaging does. I think retailers miss out because of this. Local is a huge draw.”
Pouch and poly bags are also in demand.
“All managed varieties tend to be in pouch bags from a merchandising standpoint. It’s also a convenient pack for consumers. As a result, three of our top packs are 2- and
4-pound pouch bags and a 3-pound poly bag,” says Fowler Farms’ Fowler.
e NYAA has created a new design to celebrate a quarter century since the associa- tion’s founding and the 60-year anniversary of the state’s Apple Marketing Order. ere are three distinct colored 3-pound and 5-pound poly bags: gold, green and red. e image is of apple trees, a beautiful blue sky and New York apples. ere are new high-graphic totes too.
2. Build it. “ ey (customers) will come,” says Tops Friendly Markets’ Cady, whose produce managers have built everything from bountiful freestanding orchard-like displays to those featuring New York apples in tote bags cross-merchandised with apple cider, apple chips and caramel dips.
is season, the NYAA has created a new
display shipper that can help retailers create additional shelf space to display the state’s apples. ese display units tell the apple story at a glance and match the Association’s newly created, four-color bin wrap, updated variety cards and Variety Guide. e shipper can be used for bulk apples or those in totes and pouches. e NYAA will launch a national Holiday Extravaganza Display Contest for the months of November and December.
3. Feed demand. Consumers are demanding fast, easy ways to eat healthy, according to Crunch Time Apple Growers’ Montedoro. “We use recipes to market our apples online, in print and in packaging. For example, our signature apple recipe this year in a SnapDragon Power Salad with Ginger Dressing.”
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