Back in the 1980s, organic produce began to make its appearance in the supermarkets, with only a handful of items and limited quantities  available from a sparse number of farmers.

When organic product did arrive in the stores, the quality and condition of those very few tomatoes, lettuces, carrots, potatoes, onions, grapes, apples, and oranges were just fair. Most were smaller, misshapen, dusty, off-colored, and dull in appearance. Despite those imperfections, it was accepted by the stores and consumers because its characteristics were all natural. Besides, there were not many organic suppliers around at the time, and quality standards were sort of blurry.

Quality organic banana display

As the years passed and fresh organic fruits and vegetables became more prevalent in the marketplace, their quality also improved. Organic produce eventually became another prime category and one of the produce department's signature sections.

As the years passed and fresh organic fruits and vegetables became more prevalent in the marketplace, their quality also improved.

From small, dull fruit and soiled leafy greens, organic produce has traveled several long winding and bumpy roads to reach the popularity level it has today. The quality and condition of organic produce has greatly improved due to better growing, harvesting, grading, packing, and shipping practices. The variety and availability of product is more abundant as farming companies have converted portions of conventional land over to organic production.

A successful organic produce program at retail requires a consistent supply of top-quality product to build and maintain sales growth. Making it a priority to handle only superior quality organics can easily increase produce department sales up to 10 percent regardless of how they're priced.

The quality and condition of organic produce has greatly improved due to better growing, harvesting, grading, packing, and shipping practices.

Do you know who does the best job of all inspecting fresh produce for its quality and condition? The customers—they are masters at selecting only the very best product from a display. They will handpick organic items of the highest quality.

High-quality organic heirloom tomatoes from Wilgenburg Greenhouses

Here are six quality points that will help increase organic produce sales:

• Quality Freshness - The largest colorful fruit and the crispiest vegetables will substantially increase organic product quality. 

• Quality Handling - Organic produce is grown with extreme care and is a very sensitive product with a limited shelf life. Treating products gently will prevent damage and shrink loss.

• Quality Perception - A neat, clean, fresh, and full organic produce section will send a message of premium quality to shoppers. That impression is a huge determinant in customers recommending a specific store to friends and relatives.

Customers are masters at selecting only the very best product from a display.

• Quality Impulse - Stunning off-shelf displays of organic produce will draw and motivate shoppers to make purchases. Creativity and quality handiwork will provide high-profit returns.

• Quality Pricing - You cannot buy a Rolls-Royce automobile at a Chevy price. The higher the quality, the more people are willing to pay for something. Premium-quality organic produce is a better value and worth the extra money—consumers know that.

• Quality Safety - Perform regular maintenance of the organic section. Clean the racks and display areas frequently to ensure food quality and safety.

Forty-five percent of shoppers who have a positive purchasing experience share it with others on social media. A photo of an organic section with superior-quality produce items that is shared on social media will build a favorable reputation.

High-quality standards must be part of an ongoing consistent organic produce program. It has been proven that consumers are more than willing to pay extra for superior-quality organic fruits and vegetables. They have many choices of stores where they can do their shopping and will stick to the one that carries the best organic produce.