In its continuing effort to build the newest and most technically advanced facilities, Wolcott, NY-based Fowler Farms has embarked on another building campaign this past spring.

Austin Fowler, owner, said the company continues work on its main farm in Wolcott.

“Our work here is on new controlled atmosphere storage rooms that will be the most technically advanced and sustainable buildings in the industry,” said Fowler. 

“The 22,300-square-foot building is being built adjacent to the current controlled atmosphere storage facility, and right across the driveway from the presort and packing facility,” he added.

Once completed, he added, 9,000 bins will be under storage creating a campus feel. Working will have the advantage of proximity allowing for more efficient storage and packing.

“This is part of a broader effort to continually recreate the operation and produce the best quality fruit in the marketplace,” said Fowler.

The company has constructed new housing for 85 workers in its H2A program. And it has increased its farm by 250 acres this season.

Fowler Farms is a sixth generation grower, packer and shipper located in the core of apple country; Wayne County. This region of New York produces close to 50 percent of the New York Apple crop.

It is located in scenic upstate New York along the calming shores of Lake Ontario, which provide a natural buffer from weather extremes.

“The rich glacial soils and ample natural rainfall provide the ideal climate for producing some of the world’s best tasting apples and cider,” said Fowler. “We had great cell division weather and a nice balance of heat and moisture going into the home stretch.”

The best way to promote Fowler Farms apples is to get them in consumers’ hands, stated Jennifer Sutton, sales. 

“Sampling and demos offer the immediate taste experience. Just one sample will ‘wow’ a consumer,” she said. “It’s tremendously effective and will leave a lasting impression they will remember when they are ready to purchase apples.”

Sutton noted that the 2018 crop looks to be spectacular.

“Mother Nature provided a nurturing spring and summer climate,” she noted. “We expect normal harvest dates of hard, crisp, juicy apples that taste great. There will be perfect sizes of Fowler Farms apples for everyone to enjoy."

Fowler added that fruit size expected to be larger than last year, which should result in a slight increase in bushels.

Fowler Farms began harvesting on Aug. 8 with Jersey Macs. It hopes to wrap up harvesting EverCrisp apples, which will be coming on strong this year, in mid-November.

The company has ramped up its marketing initiative tremendously. Fowler said it is targeting consumers with advertising, billboards and popup events.

“Online contests are being done to connect consumers with some of the new varieties,” he said. “Meet the grower demo events at our partner retailers are a win-win because growers and retailers show their dedication with their consumers.”

The company lays claim to being one of the largest grower-shippers on the East Coast, and it has many other new varieties in test blocks in an effort to find the next exceptional eating experience.

“SweeTango, SnapDragon and RubyFrost varieties continue to gain momentum in the marketplace due to early harvest timing,” said Fowler. “The consistent sweet-crunch of the SnapDragon is becoming a hit with consumers. RubyFrost is becoming more popular because consumers not only love it for eating out of hand but have discovered it to be awesome for dicing up in salads and for baking. As its name states, EverCrisp is literally ever crisp.”

Fowler Farms distributes its fruit primarily east of the Rockies, and it exports to various countries.