holidays. Often they are looking for something 

 different, but practical. Work with a local busi- 

 ness to develop a gift pack that is attractive to 

 them and unique to your farm operation. Do 

 not forget to include your name and address on 

 the packaging. 

 9) Value-added means turning raw produce into 

 a product of higher value, e.g., apples into apple 

 butter, pies, or cider. Most retail marketers sell 

 value-added products. What about something 

 different? Cider donuts have become very popu- 

 lar A grower in Tennessee decided to try apple 

 walnut fudge. It outsold both chocolate and pea- 

 nut butter fudge from the beginning. This 

 grower also makes apple cinnamon ice cream. 



Survey your customers. What product would 

 they like to see made available? Can you provide 

 the requested items? If not, can you work with 

 someone who can? 



Although there is little any one of us can do 

 individually to impact profitable sales of apples on 

 the wholesale market, undoubtedly there are other 

 ventures that could provide additional income at 

 the retail level. Listen to your customers and add a 

 little creativity of your own. This may be what your 

 farming operation needs to become more profitable. 

 Product quality and customer service are the keys 

 to success. Change should be occurring constantly. 

 Anticipate consumer needs and cater to them. 



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Fruit Notes, Fall, 1995 



13 



