Applewood Fresh® Prepares for Michigan-Grown Rave® Crop; Scott Swindeman, Brian Coates, and Antonia Mascari Comment
SPARTA, MI - There are only 35 days left until the start of August, which means we here at ANUK are counting down with Applewood Fresh® as the company gets ready to kick off its flavorful Rave® harvest, and the premium variety’s limited availability has shoppers eagerly waiting as well.
“Look for Michigan Rave harvest and shipping around August 19, with fruit available through October,” Scott Swindeman, the supplier’s President and Managing Owner, commented on the much-anticipated start of this in-demand variety.
The deliciously juicy apple is part Honeycrisp and part MonArk, and the variety harvests a few weeks earlier than other apple varieties, a press release explained. The company has supplied this early-season apple for the past five years, with availability expected to grow exponentially in 2023 and the following years.
Retailers who optimize demand for the limited-time offering of Rave apples are able to have early-season success driving dollars and volume to their apple category.
“With the new acreage coming into production and good growing conditions, the 2022 crop looks to give us a very good increase in volume of over 50 percent from last season, which gives our customers opportunity for promotions,” said Brian Coates, Vice President of Sales and Business Development.
The fourth-generation grower/packer/shipper of Michigan-grown apples offers bulk packaging in Standard and Euro Tray pack cartons, as well as some packaged options. Two lb pouch and tote bags are also offered to appeal to the current trend of increased packaged sales in the apple category.
“Retailers should promote packaged fruit and merchandise in lead-off positions in their produce departments to drive sales. Customers are looking for quick grab-and-go solutions as they navigate the store to expedite their shopping trip,” added Coates.
The apple provider will be aligning with Stemilt to back its planned apple experiential marketing activities in multiple cities during the months of August and September.
“We’re looking forward to executing these activities, along with other marketing support of promoting through social media, and our continued partnership with social media influencers like The Produce Moms®, and with other targeted campaigns, to help drive awareness of this variety and drive sales for our retail partners,” said Antonia Mascari, Vice President of Marketing.
Join us in the countdown to the grower’s anticipated apple season and the many promotional opportunities it will bring! Keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest industry updates.
