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.
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.
The chef known for her role as a Food Network judge and host of “Farmhouse Rules” will appear on the organization’s social media and will showcase New York apples in a culinary delight.
To meet growing demand for this exclusive variety, the collaboration will allow consumers to purchase the sweet-tart apple through Capital City Fruit’s online platform.
This course from Penn State Extension covers practices and procedures to ensure safe handling of the produce.
Cosmic Crisp, Pink Lady and other varieties offer retailers opportunities to capture premium dollars while satisfying consumer demand.
The leadership development program focuses on hands-on experience with legislative and regulatory issues, a mentorship program, networking and more.
Retailers can use the early-season momentum of Cosmic Crisp and Pink Lady to continue boosting apple category volume and sales, the company says.
Apple marketer Honeybear Brands has partnered with the American Institute for Cancer Research to promote healthy eating.
The New York Apple Association shares how an orchard served as an ideal backdrop for an apple grower’s special moment.
The pollination sensor and dashboard platform helps growers understand bee activity during a volatile spring pollination season, according to the company.
The company says aspiring CrossFit athlete Sarah Barkley is also part of its sales team.
Fresh apples in storage sit at 92.7 million bushels, which is less than the inventories reported in February 2024 but higher than the five-year average.
Granny smith apples and d’anjou pears offer retailers some green produce to add to holiday-themed promotions and displays, says Stemilt Growers.
Apple growers from across the country participated in the U.S. Apple Association’s Capitol Hill Day, meeting with more than 100 legislative offices on trade, labor and farm bill issues.
U.S. holdings of fresh apples on Dec. 1 were 121.5 million cartons.
“Consumers are willing to pay a premium for higher-flavor, specialty options, and when shoppers demand more, branded organics deliver,” said Danelle Huber, senior marketing manager.
Honeybear Brands says the sweet, yellow-skinned fruit offers retailers a great apple with a color break in produce displays.
While fresh and processing apple holdings are down from the 2023-24 season, the figure of 151 million bushels is still 11% higher than the five-year average for January.
Ontario Orchard Supply manager Chris Hedges will help lead the organization, which represents the province’s 200 commercial apple growers.
Honeybear Brands says it is donating 600 pounds apples to a food bank every time Taylor Heise tallies an assist.
See which region of the U.S. has shoppers most likely to buy apples, along with purchasing habits by age group, ethnicity and choice between conventional and organic options.
“The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good” campaign features healthy recipes and usage ideas, social media, video content with the association’s spokespuppet Bob for Apples from New York, and more.