Honeybear Brands apple crop and campaign turning out nicely for fall
With summer coming to a close, many individuals are taking out the fall décor in anticipation of cooler weather, the changing of leaves and, of course, apples. Honeybear Brands, is looking forward to a prosperous apple crop this season, especially with its Honeycrisp variety. “Our Honeycrisp crop is expected to be normal volume and have beautiful color,” said Kristi Harris, brand manager for the Elgin, MN-based company, which has locations in Brewster, WA and Yakima, WA. She added that the Honeycrisp size is expected to average. 
Honeycrisps aren’t the only variety Honeybear is excited about. Harris said this season’s apple crop has an exceptional volume and color expected in all varieties including Pazazz, Granny Smith and First Kiss.
“Our First Kiss apples are greatly anticipated by consumers and are available as an early-season variety,” said Harris. “First Kiss apples are grown in Minnesota and were available at the end of August due to higher demand and supply.”
Honeybear Brands is driven by the success of its growers, orchardists and retailers. It has made investments in technology in order to harvest the company’s crop more efficiently and make sure only the best produce is transported.
“Our goal is to ensure both our growers and retail customers are successful,” said Harris. “With the assistance of facility and technology investments in Washington, orders can be packed more efficiently and consistently to achieve that goal.”
The Honeybear Brands network employs expert growers in the best apple-growing regions and climates across North America — and other locations — to achieve this success. “The growers working with Honeybear Brands are second and fourth-generation farmers who understand what it takes to plant, nurture and grow the best-tasting, best-looking apples,” said Harris. “We strive for the very best crop for their retailers and consumers.”
The company is rolling out its fall campaign with many promotions intended to drive apple consumption as well as raise awareness for the improvement of mental health. The Good Mood Food campaign explores the benefits of apple consumption.
“The Honeybear Brands team noticed Americans’ growing interest in gut and brain health and embarked on a yearlong campaign to emphasize the importance of ‘an apple day keeps the doctor away’ since apples truly do have stellar health benefits,” said Harris, adding that there are many delicious ways apples can be prepared with a recipe or on their own.
The promotions for the Good Mood Food campaign will include a partnership with bestselling author of The Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, a social media sweepstakes, and influencer and podcast sponsorship in September. In October, Tricia Huffman, celebrity “joyologist” will use her podcast and social media platforms to promote simple self-care by adding an apple to people’s daily routine. In November, Huffman will have gratitude practices with social media content including holiday baking inspiration.
“The campaign advocates the awareness of healthy mental well-being, as well as the reduction of negative stigmas attached to the concept of mental health,” said Harris. The campaign touches on how proper foods help reduce anxiety and depression and how fruit and vegetables, specifically apples — which are high in antioxidants and trigger a release of dopamine — are consumed for better vitality and gut health and how they increase energy and boost mood.
