Apples, citrus fruit, onions, and other crops are sold when the harvest comes. Members collect orders and give a delivery date. Clubs report that many people look forward to the annual Kiwanis fruit sale. Packaged goods like nuts, candies, and cakes are sold two ways. The cost is only a couple of dollars, and comparison to store prices isn't considered.
High volume is the key to profits.
Larger or more expensive containers of candy, nuts, and cakes are sold as luxury items or holiday gift items. There's an obvious markup from store prices for similar goods, and the sales pitch has to push the good cause the purchase supports.