Domex Superfresh Growers Offers Top Five Reasons To Merchandise WA State Apricots

Yakima, WA –  Domex Superfresh Growers of Yakima, WA is looking forward to a sweet WA State apricot crop this season.  The industry is estimating approximately 5200 tons which is about a 9% increase over what was shipped last season.  Weather this growing season for Apricots has been excellent and will provide above average sizing and flavor!

“Domex will begin shipping by the third week of June through the end of July.  Volume for the season could be approximately 15% of the industry’s estimated 700,000 boxes.  Perfections, Rivals and Robada will account for the majority of the varieties shipped and will also include a smaller organic program with a limited shipping window the end of June into the first two weeks of July,” stated Howard Nager, vice president of marketing for Domex Superfesh Growers.

The majority of the fruit will be shipped to accounts in the U.S. while exports are directed primarily to Canada as well as Mexico.  Domex will ship a variety of sizes in a 15-pound panta pack, 24-pound volume filled cases and 1.6-pound Ziploc poly bags.

The top five reasons to merchandise apricots:

1. Remain Competitive – your competitors are promoting and you should as well
2. Market Basket Profitability – basket dollars increased 23% when purchasing stone fruit
3. Display Size and Product Location – increased displays impacts volume and dollar sales
4. Consumption Trend – Apricot per capita consumption continues to grow
5. Featured Ad Growth – 13% increase in Apricot ads during 2013 season over prior year

“Apricots bring the taste of summer to consumers with their vibrant color and tangy-sweet taste.  We see a large percentage of retailers across both the U.S. and Canada featuring Apricots in ads and promotions”, added Nager, “They are ideal for baking, making preserves or eaten as a delicious, nutritious snack.  They are fat-free, sodium free and are high in Vitamin A and C and as well as being a good source of potassium.  We are looking forward to sharing the great taste of Washington Apricots this season!”

Domex Superfresh Growers®, one of the Kershaw Companies, is a leading grower and shipper of both conventional and organically grown apples, pears, cherries and apricots from the Pacific Northwest. The Kershaw Companies have grown into a vertically integrated organization to include farming, warehousing, sales, marketing and logistic services.

Source: Domex Superfresh Growers®