Applewood Fresh Growers, Sparta, Mich., expects production increases for several apple varieties and has added equipment to meet those needs.
The grower-shipper markets 21 apple varieties from a network of more than 50 growers, according to a news release.
A second packing line at the Sparta facility will more than double the capacity for all varieties.
“More capacity allows us to bring on more quality fruit from some of the finest young growers and family operations in the Michigan industry,” co-owner Scott Swindeman said in the release.
The company projects 20% more SweeTango volume from 2018 to 2019.
Available in Michigan in early September, the Honeycrisp-Zestar! hybrid comes from a Minnesota breeding program, and Applewood Fresh is a marketer for it in the Midwest.
The company expects a 50% higher volume of Kanzis and a 10% increase with Kiku apples this season.
Applewood Fresh’s newest variety is Rave, which the company was growing as a test for three years. Applewood partnered with Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers to plant significant acreage of the variety in two Michigan locations, according to the release.
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- Study looks at organic feasibility for Michigan apple growers
- Michigan apple industry expects a big crop
