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WINTER 2009 |
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The Northeastern IPM Center is supported by the USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, and is jointly administered by The Pennsylvania State University and Cornell University. CO-DIRECTORS Carrie
Koplinka-Loehr STAFF Writer/editor:
E. Myers |
Sales Tip Scales for Eco Apple Growers
Growers, scientists, and marketers have successfully boosted the market for IPM-grown apples through their collaborations in the Northeast. With IPM Partnership funds and leadership from a nonprofit called Red Tomato, the multistate “Eco Apple” working group saw sales grow nearly five-fold over a three-year period.
What was the strategy? The group emphasized what makes Eco Apples special: locally grown products, superior quality control, and the use of advanced IPM techniques based on in-depth protocols.
Aggressive promotion by Red Tomato’s dedicated staff has been key, supported by a web site, IPM video, brochures, and retail display materials. Distribution involves consolidating products from 13 growers into coordinated customer deliveries.
Since the working group was funded in 2006, the number of participating growers has doubled and sales continue to soar:
18,000 cases
25,000 cases
59,400 cases
86,876 cases