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.
The New York apple crop outlook is positive in early May, and new technology in the fields is helping estimate its potential, one major shipper reports.
New Zealand’s apple production and exports will rise modestly in the marketing year 2021-22, a new USDA report says.
What was once considered a short U.S. apple crop is getting a little bit more average later in the marketing season.
TOMRA Food is bringing high technology to the apple packinghouse, said Damien Gibson, global category director for apples at TOMRA Food.
Joyfully Grown is the new tree fruit brand for Chelan, Wash.-based Chelan Fresh.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest change for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. has been the addition of another packing facility to the Sage Fruit family, says Chuck Sinks.
The Packer is calling for nominations for the 2022 Apple Person of the Year.
After a couple of challenging seasons, Michigan apple grower-shippers anticipate an exceptional crop this year — some say maybe a record one.
Despite what the company called a volatile trading environment, New Zealand-based T&G Global reported near-stable revenue for the six months ending June 30.
U.S. apple industry leaders have been seeking access to the Australian apple market for more than 20 years.
Envy apples says it will kick off the 2022 holiday season with momentum, thanks to a marketing campaign designed to drive consumer trials, stimulate repeat purchases and inspire expanded usage occasions.
Fruit variety developer and licensing company Sun World has added 10 new licensed marketers from South America to its portfolio.
The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2023 survey polled more than 1,000 consumers in mid-October, discovering differences in how consumers report purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables.
From branded varieties to standard varieties, organic apples have a robust and growing presence in the produce department.
Discovered in Europe in 1999, the bright yellow apples are a cross between a golden delicious apple and a topaz apple.
Multiple growing regions in North America have strengthened the availability of the crunchy, flavorful apple variety this winter, despite crop shortages in Washington.
The storage report captures more than 95% of the national storage capacity, according to the U.S. Apple Association.
Arable partnered with Alpine Pacific Capital to acquire Fresh Innovations in March 2018 and the assets of Farmington Fresh in June 2018.
A shorter crop of apples in Washington has led to declines in exports at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Pink Lady apples are in healthy supply as Valentine’s Day approaches, and it is also time for retailers to start planning granny smith ads for St. Patrick’s Day, says Catherine Gipe-Stewart, director of marketing.
The larger crop of Michigan apples should move out to strong demand this season, says Ken Korson, apple category manager for North Bay Produce, Traverse City, Mich.
A shorter crop of Washington apples and higher costs for growers this year has caused elevated pricing and new ways to move the crop.
A partnership with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills team has raised awareness of SnapDragon apples in Eastern markets, says Jessica Wells, executive director of Crunch Time Apple Growers, Lockport, N.Y.
Emerging branded apple varieties should keep the excitement level high in retail produce departments despite lower overall volume from Washington state, say officials with CMI, Wenatchee, Wash.
Michigan’s apple crop enjoyed a great growing season that has resulted in better volume and a larger size profile for many varieties, said Trish Taylor, marketing manager for Riveridge Produce.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is enjoying growth in its proprietary varieties as more trees come into production, said Dan Davis, director of business development.
Communicating with truck drivers, treating them well when they arrive at Chelan Fresh facilities and getting them loaded quickly are some ways the company is helping drivers, says Mac Riggan, director of marketing.
The Belding, Mich.-based company is promoting higher-end, high-flavor varieties like SweeTango, Smitten, and Honeycrisp, says Casey Jarrard, vice president of sales.
Pacificpro Sales LLC has partnered with Glacier Peak Cold Storage to provide packaged fruit options.
The ability to promote up-and-coming varieties like Cosmic Crisp is one reason that Brianna Shales is optimistic about the 2022-23 season.