Apples contributed more dollars on average to U.S. produce departments in December 2015 than in 2014, despite volume being down slightly year-over-year, according to the latest Stemilt-O-Graphic. The latest apple category insights from Stemilt are based off of four weeks of data from Nielsen FreshFacts, which compare the timeframe of November 29-December 26, 2015 to the same period in 2014.

“The highlight of this recent data set from Nielsen is that bulk fruit averaged $1.80 per pound in December 2015, and was up $0.17 year-over-year. Bags were also up, selling for $0.07 more per pound,” Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director, said in a press release. “It’s not surprising to see higher retail prices given the fact that the 2015 national apple crop is down considerably from record levels in 2014.”

Two of the category’s top apple varieties, Gala and Honeycrisp, made up a smaller percentage of the December mix in 2015 than in 2014. Honeycrisp dropped 2 percent to 10.3 percent of category sales, while Gala was down about 1 percent. This is due to smaller fruit size on Gala and certain regional growing areas finishing up on Honeycrisp earlier in 2015 than in 2014, Pepperl noted.

Among the many trademarked varieties available in December, Stemilt’s signature variety, Piñata, was a bright spot. Piñata was up 55.3 percent in volume year-over-year, which Pepperl attributes to high demand and an increase in promotional activity at retail.

“Piñata is a consumer favorite apple when it is available in the late winter and spring months, and that is especially showing this year at retail," he said. "December was a great month to kick-off the apple’s season, and we are excited to continue the great momentum with more promotion opportunities around this apple coming up. Piñata’s bi-coloring and unique flavor make it a great substitution for large Gala’s, which are in short supply this year.”

The 2015-16 crop year saw smaller fruit size on average for apples, which has made Stemilt’s industry-leading pouch bag brand of three-pound apples, Lil Snappers, a great promotion vehicle for retailers. Pepperl recommends both Piñata and Pink Lady varieties for upcoming spring Lil Snappers promotions, as both have excellent qualities out of storage and are kid favorites.

“Parents love Lil Snappers apples," Pepperl said. "The grab-and-go bag of fruit sized just for kids makes it more convenient than ever for them to include fresh fruit in their child’s lunch or to serve for snack. Lil Snappers are a perfect item to promote at retail in the late winter and spring."