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 company has promoted Nicole Gordy, who had served as director of business analytics. Gordy succeeds Steve Clement, who becomes CEO of PNW Tree Fruit, which owns Sage Fruit packers and 6,000 acres of orchards.
A research team from apple- and pear-producing states seeks to identify biological controls and develop tools to help growers better detect and control the devastating pathogen.
During his 18-year stint with the commission, Todd Fryhover has overseen the marketing efforts for Washington apple growers in 25 countries worldwide.
In a new video, Claudio Villalobos, a farm manager at Superfresh Growers, shares his experience as a farmworker and the role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry.
Despite a drop in bearing acreage, New Zealand apple production and exports in 2023-24 will increase following last year’s rocky growing season, according to a new USDA report.
Chris Sandwick, marketing director for Hess Bros. Fruit Co., talks about the introduction of WildTwist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.
Shorter tree fruit crops in the Northwest have been challenging in the 2022-23 season, but the new crop season begins with cherries in just a few weeks.
Shoppers are willing to try new varieties if given the proper incentive. That can include providing a better understanding about flavor profiles so they can make informed decisions, says Danelle Huber of CMI Orchards.
Excellent growing conditions are on tap for Northwest fruit, and that means organic fruit volume will increase later this year for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co., says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.
Stemilt Growers is increasing its organic apple volume, and it expects another one of its organic fruits to rebound after a short crop in 2022.
Twenty percent of the fruit marketed by Domex Superfresh Growers is organic, and that percentage is on the way to 25%, says Cat Gipe-Stewart, director of marketing for the Yakima, Wash.-based marketer.
The automated facility, with 1.7 hectares of roof space, is expected to pack more than 125 million kilograms of apples per season — twice the volume of apples currently packed — once construction is complete.
The latest apple category statistics report from Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards shows Envy apple sales are setting a torrid pace among high-flavor varieties.
New York is the second-largest apple-producing state in the country, and it expects about 28 million bushels of apples this year.
In the new “In the Bin” podcast, sponsored by Northwest grower-shipper Superfresh Growers, host Tyler Weinbender is shedding light on the fresh fruit industry.
Following an afternoon of data-rich programming, the first day of USApple’s Outlook 2023 conference at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago concluded with The Packer presenting Mike Preacher the Apple Person of the Year award.
The company says expectations are running high among growers and receivers across various markets, as the company gets ready to deliver a fresh crop.
An above-average apple crop is anticipated this year for Michigan, which has an average annual crop size of about 24 million bushels.
When it comes to what retailers are looking for when they choose their apple suppliers, quality product is a given — but what helps them stand out?
There’s reducing shrink at the supermarket, then there are all the ways to not only reduce the use of Earth’s resources, but also to regenerate and improve the environment — before that fresh produce leaves the farm.
Overall domestic apple production is anticipated to beat last year’s production, despite notable shifts in the top apple-producing states.
Two Pacific Northwest fruit purveyors have joined forces to grow and expand market reach in apples, pears and cherries.
Chris Gerlach, USApple’s director of industry analytics, shared how this season draws parallels from a large crop in 2014-15.
The merger expands the opportunity and scope of both companies to serve their unique customer base, while also working together with the customers the two companies share coast to coast.
CMI Orchards said this managed variety shows a 613% growth in volume for the 13 weeks ending Dec. 2, according to Nielsen scan data.
The university said the new cultivar — a cross of Honeycrisp with cripps pink — does not bruise and keeps its texture and flavor following months of cold storage.
The company has promoted eight employees to key roles as it plans for growth.
Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA’s “The Big Flavor” campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association’s communication efforts.
The USDA is seeking offers to sell fresh fuji apples to the agency.
In the U.S. Apple Association’s season recap, Chris Gerlach, director of industry analytics, discussed a large crop, production trends and challenges for U.S. apple growers.