One of the chief initiatives at Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. in 2020 pertained to sustainability, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.
“We are currently seeking more environmentally friendly packaging options, as well as more efficient methods for packing,” he said.
Sage has launched a new tote bag program, SageXpress, which features “consumer-friendly” totes, Sinks said.
Meanwhile, during the 2020-21 season, Sage Fruit will continue to offer Apeel treated organic apples, Sinks said, noting that numerous “mainstream organic apple varieties,” including gala, fuji, Honeycrisp, granny smith and Pink Lady are available with Apeel.
“Utilizing the Apeel technology, we create a barrier on the fruit that helps prevent moisture loss and keeps product fresher, longer,” Sinks said. “What we found is that organic apples treated with Apeel retain more moisture on the supermarket shelf than non-Apeel-treated organic apples.”
The shelf-life can reach up to 40 days, he said.
“Through our partnership with Apeel, we bring new, innovative options to our retail partners,” he said.
“Our goal is to provide our customers, and their consumers, with increased availability of premium organic apples. Through our partnership with Apeel, we feel we accomplish that, while also providing a more crisp and flavorful experience to the purchaser.”
Sage Fruit also offers organic apples that are not treated with Apeel.
