Search - The Packer

Several newer apple varieties are being promoted by Sparta, Mich.-based Riveridge Produce.

Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. has ample Cosmic Crisp volume and will be promoting the variety extensively through the winter and well into 2022, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.

Brewster, Wash.-based Honeybear Marketing is promoting the health benefits of Pazazz apples through recipes and other promotions, said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing.

The rapid growth of omnichannel marketing delivers big opportunities for influencing purchases, and CMI Orchards has a digital team in place to work with retailers.

Promoting Cosmic Crisp apples is front and center for Yakima, Wash.-based Evans Fruit Co., said Scott Hennessey, account manager and coordinator.

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers expects strong demand for organic apples and pears for the balance of the 2021-22 marketing season, said Dan Davis, director of business development.

Ocean Mist Farms is seeing strong growth in year-over-year performance of several of its organic commodities, said Katie Tossie, organic commodity account manager for the Castroville, Calif.-based marketer.

“Food inflation is a hot topic,” Michael Swanson says noting that overall prices in the category are running at 6% higher than a year ago, whereas typically year-to-year food inflation is 1%.

Watsonville, Calif.-based Lakeside Organic Gardens has entered its 26th year of growing solely organic vegetables, and strong demand is fueling continuing growth, said Marliese McWherter, marketing director.

It is hard to imagine now, but there once was a time when organic produce was not an established part of the modern produce department.