Most families, quite simply, have fewer mouths to feed. Because the average family shops for groceries two times a week, it appears that the trend is toward smaller purchases, and not buying in quantity. Marketers should provide smaller quantities of small fruits for customers. Strawberries in pints, and blueberries and raspberries in half-pints should be available. Although smaller containers are more difficult to deal with in the field, these units maintain fruit in better quality and bring higher prices than larger containers.
Customers are always in a big hurry.
With so many of us working outside the home or off the farm, family time becomes a valuable commodity. People do not want to spend hours shopping for food every week, and they will not travel far to pick or buy berries unless given a good reason to do so. One possible reason that a family may choose to forego the supermarket and visit the local farmer is to share in the experience as a family. Imagine the feeling a young couple might have if, after traveling 20 miles to a farm, they are told that their children are not allowed in the field. Consumers like convenience and one-stop shopping.