Consider what produce categories in your department might benefit from experiencing more turns. In the tropical category for instance one might lower prices to increase turns and limit product going to waste, whereas others may increase prices to justify carrying the item. In the latter situation, owners or department managers would like the few items they sell to cover the loss of items that may never sell due to low customer demand.
Here's a few factors to consider at you develop a pricing strategy aimed to build profits:
1. Re-purpose: If you choose to keep prices higher (thus typically limiting sales, but covering loss by higher gross margins) can you use a percentage of the case for another purpose? Can you work this fruit into cut fruit / prepared foods, etc. to minimize overall waste?
2. Split Cases: A number of produce wholesalers may offer a split case opportunity. In this case consider whether the additional cost per unit for a half case still may be to your overall advantage if you are currently shrinking it. Alternatively, consider how you could do this in-house?
3. Happy Customers: Customers love getting a deal, one might say that by carrying must-have specialties they are performing a service to customers. By lowering prices in favor of customers trying new items or being able to regularly access these items within their budget this can go a long way in developing loyal regular satisfied customers.
Owners may have different pricing or marketing philosophies, but hopefully these tips will help you find a happy medium to optimal profitability and keeping customers coming back for me. Good Luck!