Gator Eggs Discovered At Fresh Summit
Avocados packed in what
looks like an egg carton are now being marketed as "Gator Eggs" by Shanley Farms
in Morro Bay. We found them at the recent Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh
Summit in New Orleans.
Megan Shanley is director of
marketing and sales for Shanley Farms. “We are marketing the gator
eggs to shoppers with an option that they rarely see. It is a 6 pack of size 84 avocados packed in a
carton similar to a half dozen of eggs,” she said. “This is about 1/3 cup size that people can eat as a
serving for one sandwich or one salad.
There is no waste or the need to put the other half in the refrigerator
where it often turns brown.”
The nationwide launch will be
in December.
For an avocado farmer, the
smaller size would fetch a lower price, but when packaged as a Gator Egg, there
is added value that provides more profit for the retailer and the farmer.
The product is marketed and
shipped by Shanley Farms from their 8,000 tree ranch, from August through
October. “We will source out avocadoes from other producers to enable year-round
availability,” said Shanley.
The family operation will
also be shipping their Sierra Sweet Kiwi, which are grown in Tulare County and
are left on the vine longer for more sweetness. That product will be shipped
starting in January.
Labels: Avocados, Fresh Summit, Gator Eggs, Megan Shanley, Produce Marketing Association, Shanley Farms
For an avocado farmer, the
smaller size would fetch a lower price, but when packaged as a Gator Egg, there
is added value that provides more profit for the retailer and the farmer.