Figgy Data

My small survey asked about figgy experiences. Of the 26 responses, 85% said they had eaten fig newtons, with a similar percentage having eaten fresh figs. Am I to believe that? The survey leaves many questions unanswered and begs for follow-ups. 

For example, what do people think of fig newtons compared to the fresh fruit? Were the Fig Newtons they eaten the brand name (as the capital letter indicate) or were they homemade fig newton-y cookies? 

A little more time and patience would have given me
the wisdom to ask the right questions
for the answers I needed.

In hindsight, it would have been better to get some retrieval information under my belt before I prepared the survey because the questions I have now are not the ones I began with, so the survey reflects a different time in my thought processes. Additional data points should have included a questions about ranking fig newtons among other cookies/treats, ranking figs among other fruits; local fig availability; buying habits; gender.

So much figgy stuff to say!

It has been a figgy time talking to market masters and shop owners about figs, figs growing, and fig products!

Sandwich boards are a quick way
to get a message out, and
update it frequently.

First, I found out figs may be an odd commodity at the local farm market at first, but once customers find out they are available I would have a following. Farm market customers are looking for the products they cannot find at grocery stores. Figs have a short shelf life, so I'd need to post a sign notifying folks that harvest is coming, please check back. Perhaps a sandwich board would work -- that way it can be stood near the road alerting passing cars that figs are coming!

I cam probably make one with what's in the garage, so that will be a winter project to get ready for next farm market season.

Second, I discovered through my farm market manager friends the more exotic a market commodity is 1) the more I can charge and 2) the fewer customers I'll have at first until I get established. That's a mixed blessing I suppose. I want to be considered a farm specialty, but I do not want to price myself out of business. The figs I do not sell have be processed to sell another day as jams, jellies, cookies. That by itself is not a bad thing except it takes time to process fruit instead of selling it outright.

Until harvest, selling last year's jams and fig image products like coasters or buttons will promote the upcoming season, and gain recognition before the sandwich board goes up announcing the figs are in.