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Marketing and Grading Pecans by: A. Zan Matthies The Texas A&M University System County Extension Agent-Emeritus Pecos County, Fort Stockton, Texas Western Pecan Growers Association Conference March 2, 3, 4 Las Cruces, New Mexico Marketing and Grading of Pecans • • When Selling Hand in Hand Marketing Vs. Merchandising •Merchandising •Getting rid of the product at a price •Without any pre-planning •Marketing •A business activity which direct the flow of goods and services from producer to consumer with a plan •Good Marketing Practices •Are just as necessary and important as Good Cultural Practices Marketing-The Art of Selling Requires Two Types Knowledge of your product Direct to Consumer Direct to Sheller Direct to Sheller One must understand how important the pecan is to the buyer -”The pecan is the only native North American nut. The pecan is a better nut than our competitionalmonds and walnuts. It is more versatile, can be used in more products-in more ways. Pecans are the best of all ingredients-it will sell more chocolate, sugar, flour, milk, and other basics than any other ingredient. When added to another product, the pecan not only adds quality and flavor, but it also adds prestige to the product” -”Growers, shellers and accumulators are in this business together. We are the pecan industry.” Mr. J. Given Young-President of Young Shelling Co. Charlotte, N.C. If This Quote Is Correct • • • • A mutual understanding of a standardized method of describing the product must be put in place In the mid 80’s-A standardized method of grading was put in place for growers and shellers alike • Extension Educators • Growers • Shellers Tested and proven to be acceptable Equipment needed to grade and run samples Grading form Pecan Crackers Gram Scale Cheap Calculator Moisture Tester (if available) INEDIBLE Sprout Photo by: Zana Matthies-Hanson GRADING FANCY No Defects Golden Color Photo by: Zana Matthies-Hanson CHOICE Brown Color Darker Than Fancy Photo by: Zana Matthies-Hanson EDIBLE Standard-Fuzzy Wafer Less than 40% Photo by: Zana Matthies-Hanson