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merchandising review apples
conventional ones, so people can compare prices.”
Stemilt’s Pepperl says, “Not only do organics need space – whether segregated or integrated – they need to have an end-cap or satellite display occasionally. at’s been our big promotional message to retailers. Give us some promotional space on organic to excite the crowd.”
Tudor says retailers with a strong organic
game may choose to start in August with an organic Gala and continue through the season without adding a conventional version. (Rainier grows both organic and conventional Galas.) is opens up another SKU and can lead to higher register rings. But that’s still a big leap for many retailers, he says. “ e hardest part about making moves like this is that, over the years, produce has always been very traditional. You’ve got to ... be willing to
try some new things. But you can’t do them o your gut. You have to do them based o data.”
MANAGING THE MIX
Choosing from the bountiful apple vari- eties goes hand-in-hand with planning the ow.
“We do manage it, but it’s not easy,” says Cady of Tops Markets. “ ere are so many varieties. We have our core items – Empires,
136 / OCTOBER 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS