According to the latest Stemilt-O-Graphic, apples contributed more dollars on average to U.S. produce departments in December 2015 than in 2014, despite volume being down slightly year-over-year. The latest apple category insights from Stemilt are based off of four weeks of data from Nielsen FreshFacts® which compare the timeframe of November 29-December 26, 2015 to the same period in 2014.
"The highlight of this recent data set from Nielsen is that bulk fruit averaged $1.80 per pound in December 2015, and was up $0.17 year-over-year. Bags were also up, selling for $0.07 more per pound," said Stemilt marketing director Roger Pepperl. "It's not surprising to see higher retail prices given the fact that the 2015 national apple crop is down considerably from record levels in 2014."
Two of the category's top apple varieties, Gala and Honeycrisp, made up a smaller percentage of the December mix in 2015 than in 2014. Honeycrisp dropped 2% to 10.3% of category sales, while Gala was down about a percent. This is due to a smaller fruit size on Gala and certain regional growing areas finishing up on Honeycrisp earlier in 2015 than in 2014, Pepperl noted.
Among the many trademarked varieties available in December, Stemilt's signature variety, Piñata®, was a bright spot. Piñata® was up 55.3% in volume year-over-year, which Pepperl attributes to high demand and an increase in promotional activity at retail.
"Piñata® is a consumer favorite apple when it is available in the late winter and spring months, and that is especially showing this year at retail. December was a great month to kick-off the apple's season, and we are excited to continue the great momentum with more promotion opportunities around this apple coming up. Piñata's bi-coloring and unique flavor make it a great substitution for large Gala's, which are in short supply this year," said Pepperl.
The 2015-16 crop year saw smaller fruit size on average for apples, which has made Stemilt's industry leading pouch bag brand of 3lb. apples, Lil Snappers®, a great promotion vehicle for retailers. Pepperl recommends both Piñata® and Pink Lady® varieties for upcoming spring Lil Snappers® promotions, as both have excellent qualities out of storage and are kid favorites.
"Parents love Lil Snappers® apples. The grab-and-go bag of fruit sized just for kids makes it more convenient than ever for them to include fresh fruit in their child's lunch or to serve for a snack. Lil Snappers are a perfect item to promote at retail in the late winter and spring," said Pepperl.
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers
+1 509 662 9667