Michigan Apple grower-shipper Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. has acquired the sales operation of Jack Brown Produce.
With the purchase, Riveridge markets half of Michigan’s fresh apple crop, and the boost in volume and varieties makes the company a one-stop shop for customers year-round, according to a news release. Both are based in Sparta, Mich.
The U.S. Apple Association’s latest storage report shows Michigan had 4.94 million 42-pound units of fresh apples in regular and controlled-storage on Dec. 1.
“Both Jack Brown Produce and Riveridge Produce have complimentary grower communities making this union a natural fit,” John Schaefer, president of Jack Brown Produce, said in the release. “We each have modern packing facilities and growers invested in the future, utilizing the latest growing techniques and moving forward on the varieties and strains that support today’s consumer preferences.”
Riveridge adds the Jack Brown Produce packing operation to the seven it already operates in Michigan. Beyond the addition of extra volume for Riveridge, the acquisition of the Jack Brown sales desk increases access to data and relationships. That boosts the two brands’ marketing assets and analysis, according to the release.
“With two strong, forward-thinking bases of growers, continued investments in new production and a consumer-driven varietal mix, we look to solidify our role as Michigan’s fruit specialists,” Don Armock, president of Riveridge. “This is an opportunity to continue to share knowledge across our grower base and marry producers and customers based on their needs.”
