Americans are stocking up on apples, especially Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith, to contend with the COVID-19 crisis. Consumers are favoring packaged apples, which jumped up 34% in volume in the last four weeks ending March 21 and likely more than that since. As consumers hunker down, they turn to apples, which are not only a staple but are juicy, nutritious, and kid-friendly. They are also readily available and easy to handle throughout the supply chain.
Apples jumped to the top of the fruit category in March. They are up 22.3% in volume and up 13.6% in sales, year-over-year, for the four weeks ending March 22, 2020. Gala was the lead volume mover, representing 28% of all apple volume. Gala apples were up 13% in dollars and 25% in volume. Honeycrisp reigned for Apple dollars, representing 26% of overall Apple sales. Honeycrisp apples were up 21% in dollars and up 39% in volume.
Packaged apple sales have accelerated during March, most likely due to COVID-19; they provide convenience and an impression of security. Bag sales were up 25% in dollars and 34% in volume. The top apple varieties for bag volume were Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. Bagged pear sales were also up 2.9%, and the pear category is beginning to see similar packaging trends to apples. Organic apples are also seeing an increase, up 22% in sales and 34% in volume. In March, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady were the top five (in order) for organic volume.
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, making life easier for the produce department and supply chain operations staff. These options all display on the pallet and are shipped display-ready. Superfresh Growers is also able to support direct-to-store deliveries.
We are here to support you during COVID-19 and continue to supply safe, fresh, and nutritious Northwest fruit.
