In the Trenches: Increasing Apple Varieties a Merchandising Challenge
- Advertisement - In the Trenches: Increasing apple varieties a merchandising challenge October 11, 2019 There’s a children’s book entitled, Apples Here, Apples There, Apples, Apples Everywhere. It covers facts about Johnny Appleseed, the apple life cycle, farming and harvesting. It also mentions several varieties such as Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady and Golden Delicious. I find it interesting that children in the first and second grade can learn about apple varieties so early. More interesting is the fact that from now until the time they grow up, advanced varieties will probably 1 / 3 still be in the development stages. Growers continue to develop proprietary apple varieties at an accelerating pace these days. It has developed into a trend and stalled the movement of some older varieties in the process. This current practice has exploded and is changing the entire apple retail scene. Koru, Envy, Opal, SugarBee, Rockit, Jazz, Kiku, Rave, Cripps Pink and Pazazz are only some of the new apple assortments to enter the picture. Other varieties are no doubt in the evolving stages. This is a huge investment for growers. Since produce department display space is becoming overcrowded, how are all the new apple varieties going to fit into the merchandising system? More importantly, how are the shoppers going to be persuaded to purchase them? They are already confused as to which apple to buy with the influx of several new choices in recent years. With all the newer apple varieties being introduced, I asked my friend Jay Schneider, produce director at Acme Markets in Malver, PA, how he addresses this issue.
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