Figs

Commodity Overview

Many consumers are unfamiliar with fresh figs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a successful item in your produce mix. Educate shoppers about the many uses for fresh figs by offering demonstrations and samples to boost fig sales.

PLUs

4266 black
4267 brown
4268 white/green

Varieties

Black Mission Figs

Calimyrna Figs

Brown Turkey Figs

Kadota Figs

Tiger Figs

Retail Price Data is based on USDA Specialty Crops Market News surveys. Data collection ends on the report date and encompasses ad pricing good from the Saturday before the report release date through the following Friday. Weekly data - from over 400 retailers, comprising more than 30,000 individual stores with online weekly advertised features - covers over 250 produce items. Registered (logged-in) users, can access weekly reports and additional market information.

USDA Specialty Crops Market News publishes FOB and Movement data on a daily and weekly basis. Pricing and volume information is aggregated by commodity and published weekly, subject to any source-data adjustments. Commodity data is further processed based on origin (domestic vs imports) and type (regular vs. organic). Registered (logged-in) users, can access weekly reports and additional market information.

Facts

Figs have numerous health benefits, including the ability to help prevent diabetes. They also contain potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help prevent some digestive cancers. Fig leaves have also been shown to lower levels of triglycerides in animal studies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the following nutrient content descriptors for figs: fat-free, saturated fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free, a good source of potassium and a good source of fiber.

Sales Strategies

Figs can be a great addition to other items, so cross-merchandise them with rice, bagged salads and dates.
At least one variety of fig is available year-round. Be sure to add them to your promotional calendar.
Fall: Figs can make a tempting appetizer for football game day parties. Market them with other popular game-day party items like chips and dip.
Winter: Figs work well in baked goods, so promote them as an addition to holiday baking.
Spring: Chopped figs can be sprinkled on salads, so promote them as a tasty addition to springtime salads.
Summer: Figs’ flavor is a tasty complement to meat dishes, so include them in summertime grilling promotions as a no-cook side dish.
Offer samples to familiarize consumers with figs.

Dynamic Displays

Not all figs taste the same. Make sure consumers know what type of fig they are getting and what it will taste like when they get it home.
Display figs in their shipping containers to keep them from being damaged. Keep them cool and don’t stack them.
Display fresh figs and dates together. Include dried figs on your display as consumers are often more familiar with the dried option.
Include preparation tips and recipes on your display for curious consumers who are unfamiliar with fresh figs.

Food Service

Figs are a natural humectant. Add them to baked goods to extend their shelf life.
Add figs to rice for a nutty flavor.
Include chopped figs in salads and on salad bars.
Figs add a unique flavor to poultry stuffing.
Add figs to vegetable side dishes to create a nutty flavor without adding nuts.
Use figs in desserts where consumers are most familiar with them.

In the Backroom

Shipping
Panta-pack trays, 15- to 70-count 8 1-lb. clamshells 12 8-ounce clamshells RPC – 6411

Grades
No U.S. grades exist for fresh figs.

Handling
Handling: 34 F, 1 C Relative humidity: 85-90% Typical shelf life: 10 to 12 days Odor sensitive. Fresh figs will absorb odors produced by apples and green onions. Ripen at room temperature, uncovered, out of direct sun and turn frequently. If figs must be stored, arrange them in a single layer on paper-towel-lined trays. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few days. Figs can be put in a sealed bag and frozen for up to six months without losing quality.