apples

A HEARTY GREEN KNOCKED OFF RED time and time again. Apples also take the cake as an buy apples than those with kids in the household, of purchase, both groups were more likely to buy apples DELICIOUS as the variety of choice for the fi rst time ingredient in a recipe — more than 40% of shoppers said however, families with three or more children than those from other ethnic backgrounds. In fact, black ever — Granny Smiths claimed the top spot in Fresh they use them in that way. Consumers also living at home were more likely to buy apples and Asian shoppers were among the least likely to buy Trends 2018. In fact, the once-dominant think apples make a good dessert; 37% than those families without kidsFor three of apples overall, along with those in the lowest income variety fell to third place this year. Consumers chose the said so. the past four years (including Fresh Trends bracket. The likelihood of an apple purchase fell four American as the No. 2 most popular The likelihood of an apple 2018), shoppers in the Northeast have percentage points from last year. apple variety in Fresh Trends 2018. We’ve watched the purchase increased according comprised the region most likely to buy One-third of apple buyers purchased organic fruit at honeycrisp steadily climb up the apple charts in Fresh to income and age; consumers apples (once they tied with Westerners). least some of the time, up from 30 who said the same Trends (it came in at No. 7 fi ve years ago, at No. 6 in 2014 in the lowest and youngest Last year Midwesterners were most likely last year. Asian shoppers and those earning more and 2015, fi fth in Fresh Trends 2016 and fourth last year). brackets were much less likely 69% of to buy. than $100,000 annually were the most likely to make Not only is this apple sweet, but it grows well in cold to buy the fruit than those who customers Caucasian consumers and Hispanic a periodic organic apple purchase. Eleven percent of climates, making a hit for many consumers. apples were more a“ uent and older. purchased apples shoppers were about even in their likelihood buyers said they always bought organic apples. tied red delicious in the No. 3 spot. Shoppers age 59 and older within the past This crisp, crunchy fruit is produce’s answer to the were the most likely to buy 12 months snack food category. More than nine in 10 buyers said apples overall, with eight in 10 they selected apples as a snack, and this concept is saying they made a purchase in consistent year after year. Apples’ easy grab-and-go the past year. Likelihood of purchase based on region nature makes them simple to pack, and because they In this year’s survey, families doesn’t require refrigeration, they attract consumers without kids were more likely to

Northeast West Midwest 66% 70% 69% Varieties consumers prefer to purchase Ways consumers use apples ...... 16% ...... 1% ORGANIC Honeycrisp...... 15% Opal ...... 1% South 69% Red delicious ...... 14% ...... <1% As a snack 92% Gala ...... 14% Jazz ...... <1% Fuji ...... 9% Pinata ...... <1% As an ingredient in a recipe 41% Golden delicious ...... 8% Sweetango ...... <1% Macintosh ...... 6% Other ...... 1% As a dessert 37% Pink lady ...... 4% No preference ...... 7% As a salad 21% ...... 1% As a side dish 19% Likelihood of purchase based on age* As an appetizer 16% As a main dish 7% 18-39 62%

40-49 72% Likelihood of purchase based Likelihood 50-58 71% of purchase on household 59+ 80% Types of produce purchased based on income *Considering primary household buyers (among those who bought gender this item)

61% 76% Conventional ...... 62% 74% $100*+ Likelihood of purchase based on ethnicity Other ...... 61% Have kids 67% Both conventional and organic ....22% 72% $50-99.9 Likelihood White/Caucasian ...... 72% Organic ...... 11% 1 kid 65% 70% $25-49.9 of purchase Hispanic ...... 71% Not sure ...... 4% based on 2 kids 68% Other ...... 61% 58% Less than $25 3 or more kids 73% Black/African American ...... 54% presence of Asian ...... 54% childred No kids 70%

*Figures in thousands; Annual household income The Packer.com Fresh Trends 2018 | 15 16 | Fresh Trends 2018 The Packer.com