Riveridge Produce experiences strong demand for expanded apple offerings
Michigan’s apple crop enjoyed a great growing season that has resulted in better volume and a larger size profile for many varieties in the 2022-23 marketing season, said Trish Taylor, marketing manager for Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc., Sparta, Mich.
Riveridge Produce Marketing is an integrated marketer, packer and shipper of fresh apples, with primarily conventional fruit and very limited organic volume, she said.
“Demand has been strong as consumers feel confident their apples will be good eating quality beyond harvest compared to other more time-sensitive fruits and vegetables,” Taylor said.
Apples are in a prime position to appeal to consumers, she said.
“As we move into the new year when consumers are setting new health goals, it’s important to bring apples to the front of their minds — whether that be a prominent position in the produce section or creative cross merchandising,” Taylor said. “There is more awareness of the role of whole foods than ever. Apples are ideal — they’re healthy, portable and compostable!”
Company officials are looking forward to the winter apple season, when varieties like EverCrisp make their shelf debut.
“When you’re trying to avoid processed sugary snacks, the Honeycrisp/fuji cross gives just the right amount of sweet with a juicy crisp bite,” Taylor said.
The company has not introduced new packaging in the last year but continues to see consistent movement in bags and additional movement in large-volume pouches, Taylor said.
“Bagged apples make it easier for a consumer to select apples when purchasing online or from an app,” she said. “This way they are leaning on the apple packer to make the selections over the shopper picking their groceries.”
A shortage of both diesel and drivers continues to keep truck rates elevated, Taylor said.
“As a shipper, we do what we can to make things easier like minimizing multiple picks and providing lead times on loads,” she said. “It’s about being a good partner.”
