What is the key to grape sales?

What can retailers do to move more grapes? Pricing, product assortment, and promotion are obviously key factors, but what else can tip the scales?

Grape display from the 2020 fall Produce Artist Award Series competition.
Grape display from the 2020 fall Produce Artist Award Series competition.
(Photo courtesy Kimberly Kizer, Davis-Monthan AFB, Vista, Calif.)

What can retailers do to move more grapes?

Pricing, product assortment, and promotion are obviously key factors, but what else can tip the scales?

Asked “What is one thing retailers could do to move more grapes?” the LinkedIn Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group weighed in with a variety of thoughts.

Here is a sampling of responses from around the country and around the world:

  • Bundling with maybe some sparkling wine or on a party platter. Maybe selling smaller packaging to appease kids. Find a cool gimmick like a superhero or selling mini bunches. Just make it look fun, like the guy (is) just throwing a couple in his mouth while chillaxing.
  • Bags smash in fridge. Stackable clamshells would be better for fridge. I prefer a bulk option so I can select my bunch — but haven’t seen bulk in stores for long time. Also, I pack three kids’ lunches daily. The easier fruits (apples, oranges) are what I add (no re-wrap needed, and they won’t get smashed). If there was a pre-packed kid size grape pack designed for lunches, I’d buy it and add it.
  • An Irish retailer put a pair of scissors on a string so people could cut their own bunches. Most of our grapes are now sold in clamshells or bags, which seems to appeal to customers more.
  • I think the 2-pound (+/-) bags are a mistake. The price on the display sign looks great, then you look at your receipt and realize you spent $10 on grapes!
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