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.
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.
Apple purchases are up according to responses in The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 survey. Just over 78% of consumers reported purchasing apples in the last 12 months.
With another good apple crop anticipated for 2024, Sparta, Mich.-based Applewood Fresh Growers is well-stocked to market premium 2023 apples well into the summer, company officials say.
The award, first presented by The Packer in 1964, recognizes an individual who has shown leadership and commitment to the advancement of the apple industry.
The Michigan Apple Committee has contracted with the FoodMix agency to assist with the group’s consumer marketing efforts, says Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
U.S. Apple Association board members discussed the importance of regaining export markets, the impact of proposed regulations for the H-2A program and more.
The TV star will join Envy at the inaugural Hallmark Christmas Experience to celebrate the “Sweetest Moments of Holiday Entertaining.”
The buses are part of a New York Apple Association campaign spreading the word that New York state-grown apples are arriving at local grocers.
Meet Chris Gerlach, vice president of insights and analytics for the U.S. Apple Association and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Kait Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist and social media content creator and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.