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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
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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
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Requires
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Two Types
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Knowledge of your product
Direct to Consumer
Direct to Sheller
Direct to Sheller
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One must understand how important the pecan is
to the buyer
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-”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
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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