YAKIMA, WA - Groceries are in high demand with consumers looking to secure their staple products as COVID-19 concerns continue to develop. Apples are one category that shoppers have turned to with Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith being the top varieties purchased. According to Nielsen data from Superfresh Growers, consumers are favoring packaged apples, which has jumped up 34 percent in volume and 25 percent in dollars over the last four weeks ending March 21, and likely more than that since.

As consumers hunker down, they are turning to apples, which are not only a staple, but juicy, nutritious, and kid-friendly. They are also readily available and easy to handle along the whole supply chain, as noted in the press release.

Apples jumped to the top of the fruit category in March. They are up 22.3 percent in volume and 13.6 percent in sales, year-over-year for the four weeks ending March 22, 2020. Gala was the lead volume mover, representing 28 percent of all apple volume. Gala apples were up 13 percent in dollars, and up 25 percent in volume. Honeycrisp reigned over apple dollars, representing 26 percent of overall apple sales. Honeycrisp apples were up 21 percent in dollars and up 39 percent in volume.

Bagged pear sales were also up 2.9 percent, and the pear category is beginning to see similar packaging trends to apples. Organic apples are seeing an increase, up 22 percent in sales, and up 34 percent in volume. Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady were the top five (in order) for organic volume in March.

Apples and pears are easy for grocery operations in these challenging times. Superfresh Growers has multiple display options including floor bins and display-ready cartons that make life easier on produce department and supply chain operations staff.

As news surrounding the COVID-19 crisis continues to come to light, AndNowUKnow will continue bringing you the latest news.

Superfresh Growers