Apples
Apples are a perennial favorite with consumers: 90% of all consumers buy apples, according to The Packer 2026 Fresh Trends Report. The ever-growing number of apple varieties creates marketing opportunities for Produce Retailers.
Brewster Heights Packing & Orchards has filed for a voluntary court-supervised stalking horse asset sale to protect its premium orchards and navigate a historic agricultural margin squeeze.
This declaration allows for USDA’s Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to growers in 17 counties in the state hit by below-freezing temperatures in April.
While a catastrophic spring frost completely wiped out some regional fruit crops, other growers are turning to cutting-edge horticulture to save their seasons.
In Becker, Minn., a 20,000-square-foot apple orchard honors fallen Iraq and Afghanistan service members, displaying thousands of dog tags, organized by state, each telling a story.
The company says the additions help broaden its multiregional network and build upon its acquisition of Applewood Fresh.
By leveraging direct-to-consumer data and modern branding tactics, Yes! Apples’ redesign looks to compete for “share of stomach” against high-energy snacking and beverage categories.
By leveraging these merchandising tools to highlight specific health benefits of apples, avocados, mangoes and blueberries, retailers can transform the produce aisle into a destination for both physical and psychological resilience.
As Washington growers face rising costs and labor scarcity, a new partnership with Semillero de Ideas is transforming experienced harvesters into technical consultants to optimize orchard efficiency and automation.
Known for Honeycrisp and SweeTango, the university’s new Superior Fruit Innovations program helps growers access new genetics like Super Snap and Big Flirt without the restrictions of traditional club models.
Stemilt Growers Research and Development Director Rob Blakey explains why modern apple, cherry and pear varieties must be as efficient in the pack shed as they are flavorful for the consumer.
Competition was fierce at Fruit Logistica 2026 last week, where 10 companies competed for the coveted Innovation Awards in the fresh produce and technology categories.
The grower-packer-shipper earned 2026 Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership Business Awards for its Planet Positive innovation and carbon-negative tree fruit.
Economic losses to specialty crops last year were on a level that can put farming operations out of business, with the American Farm Bureau Federation estimating billions in losses to almonds, apples, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries and blueberries alone.
In the latest USApple tracker, increased use of processing fruit and controlled atmosphere storage keeps total inventories well above the five-year average despite a year-over-year decline in fresh-market supply.
Leveraging new research on gut health and younger demographics, a grassroots initiative seeks to boost grower profitability and secure the future of the category.
Decades of research and modern technology allow the produce industry to provide crisp, high-quality domestic fruit year-round while significantly reducing food waste.
From data-backed insights to in-store execution, retailers are refining how the category is marketed to maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive produce aisle.
There were some big stories in 2025 that dealt with less common supply problems, such as high honeybee losses and too many apple trees.
Jeremy Veens elected vice chair as board along with eight other board members in annual elections.
The grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries says its proprietary data program gives its retail partners a competitive edge.
Organic growers are required to respond to the survey, a special study of the Census of Agriculture. Responses are due Feb. 5, 2026.
In the shape of its iconic logo, the new PLU sticker features a QR code that gives consumers access to the health benefits of apples, pears and cherries as well as the company’s focus on sustainability.
A team of researchers at Iowa State recently planted a two-year-old research orchard using a modified super spindle trellising system — a design common in Washington state and the Northeast but rare in Iowa.
Exhibitors at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Show discussed new products and new initiatives, as well as current season projections.
The company will showcase its expanded organic apple and pear line at the IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show.
Harrington shares why those entering the produce industry need to work in a produce department, the opportunities for apples, pears and cherries and more.
Peter died on Sept. 25, 2025 after spending his life improving his family’s farm and working to better New York apple and wider agricultural industries.