WENATCHEE, WA – In the newest Stemilt-O-Graphic, retail scan data from the month of October reveals that retail prices for the Honeycrisp apple have risen when compared to the same time last year. Retails are expected to increase for this popular item due to escalating prices driven by consumer demand, according to Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Roger Pepperl.

“Consumers love [Honeycrisp] and consistently show they are willing to pay a higher price for its unique flavor and crunch,” he said in a press release. “Going forward in 2015, retailers must continue to highlight Honeycrisp on apple displays but promote other key varieties, including Gala, Fuji, Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady®, in order to boost the entire category.”

Below is a brief summary of some of the other insights provided in Stemilt’s infographic. Scroll down for the full image.

• Apples made up 7.5% of total produce department dollars from September 27 to October 24, down from 8.1% the year prior
• Average weekly volume in the U.S. was 2,291 pounds from September 27 to October 24, down from 2,464 pounds the year prior
• Gala led the category, followed by Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, SweeTango, Ambrosia, and Pink Lady.

For a full look at the infographic, click the image below.

To help boost the category even further, Pepperl also recommended that retailers focus on multi-variety apple promotions for the months to come.

While bulk apples should be the focus of promotions, Pepperl said that Stemilt has two bag items that have proven to sell at retail. These items include Stemilt’s 3 lb. Lil Snappers pouch, which offers families a great value following holiday breaks, and 5 lb. Fresh Blenders, which are designed to merchandise health and wellness by creating a juicing/blending destination in the supermarket.

He also added that Gala Lil Snappers are an ideal bagged item to promote given the smaller sizing on the first-to-harvest apple this season.

There are still plenty of apple selling months left to go. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the season ahead.

Stemilt