Granny Smith primed for summer sales opportunities

With summer just around the corner and supplies tightening on key apple varieties like Honeycrisp and organics, Stemilt Growers is highlighting a fresh opportunity for retailers: Granny Smith. As the No. 3 selling apple variety in the U.S., Granny Smith maintains strong consumer demand and offers exciting promotional potential throughout the summer season.

“Granny Smith apples hold a unique and consistent position in the category all year long, but they’re especially valuable during the summer months,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt. “With other varieties tighter in supply, Granny Smith offers retailers a great way to keep the apple category active and relevant through seasonal promotions.”

According to Nielsen data from June 1 to Aug. 31, Granny Smith held a steady 11–12 percent share of apple sales nationally, trailing only Honeycrisp and Gala. Retailers can benefit from promoting Granny Smith during this window to see an increase in apple sales.

“Granny Smith’s appeal is broad, resonating across major U.S. regions,” said Shales. “In the South, led by Texas, it plays a leading role in category volume and sales, while the Northeast and Midwest also show strong sales and potential for growth. Even in the West, where it ranks fourth in the apple category, Granny Smith still accounts for 12.6 percent of apple volumes.”

With an even split between bulk and bag sales, Granny Smith is a versatile item to merchandise in multiple formats. Stemilt recommends leaning into bulk displays to drive volume and taking advantage of popular packaged options like Lil Snappers, Stemilt’s kid-friendly, grab-and-go three-pound apple pack that resonates with busy families, and five-pound bags, a shopper favorite for parties, summer road trips and value-driven purchases.

“Shoppers are looking for fresh, flavorful and functional produce during the summer,” said Shales. “Granny Smith delivers all of that with its tart flavor, crunch and incredible versatility. It’s a natural fit for events like barbecues, picnics and even snack pairings on the go while people are on vacation.”

From Cinco de Mayo to July cookouts, Granny Smith fits right into warm-weather celebrations. Its crisp texture and zingy flavor are ideal for recipes like fruit salsa, mocktails, green apple salads and spicy snacks with Tajín seasoning.

“Cinco de Mayo is a perfect time to showcase Granny Smith,” said Shales. “It’s amazing with Tajín, works great in fresh salsas and even adds a refreshing twist to mocktails and summer drinks. These pairings open up unique merchandising angles that tie apples directly into the season.”

To help retailers take full advantage of Granny Smith this summer, Stemilt offers these merchandising strategies:

• Feature large, visually impactful bulk displays with signage that highlights summer uses and pairing ideas.
• Cross-merchandise with items like citrus, Tajín, cheese or beverage mixers to inspire shoppers.
• Place grab-and-go packs like Lil Snappers near deli or snack sections for easy access.
• Bundle Granny Smith with sweeter apple varieties to appeal to diverse flavor preferences, especially in regions like the Midwest.

“The apple category tends to shrink in size in the summer with seasonal items taking center stage, but data shows that continued promotions are key to category health,” said Shales. “Granny Smith can anchor those efforts because it’s familiar, flavorful and relevant to what people are eating and doing during this time of year.”