“All in all, 2024 was a year filled with ups and downs,” said Jennifer L. Miller, executive director of Next Big Thing. “As with any produce product, the weather affects us greatly. We had various tough challenges; ranging from frost to extremely hot temperatures in the fall as we harvested. his type of occurrence has consequences for our business and the balance of SweeTango.”
Next Big Thing strives to bring the best apples to its customers continually and this past year has been challenging.
“We never sacrifice volume for quality, which makes it so difficult to bring quality apples to market,” Miller said. “Every grower of produce has been affected at one time or another and we are no different. Our growers are the best in the industry and strive to keep SweeTango on shelves and delighting customers.”
After all, SweeTango has solidified itself as a leading apple variety on the market.
“Its eating quality is superior to many other apples, and our strict brand standard backs that quality,” Miller said. “An apple from these trees become a SweeTango with a set standard. It’s an important part of our culture and quality standards. Our growers are committed to bringing consumers the best apple and doing it right. That’s why you only see SweeTango in the market for a very short time. Quality and consistency are key components of our program, and they will continue for years to come.”
In addition to its flagship apple, Next Big Thing is working on a new variety of apples called Kissabel that has a naturally occurring red flesh.
“Consumers should start seeing more of these on shelves in the future,” Miller said. “We are excited to bring these innovative and exciting new apples to market.”
The cooperative has growers in New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Washington state as well as in the Nova Scotia and Eastern Canada areas.
“We have a steady volume of SweeTango that is usually available until the early summer,” Miller said. “Winter apples are exciting and SweeTango has a place on shelves as many consumers are looking for healthy alternatives as they move into the New Year.”
Next Big Thing has relationships with numerous major retailers. That support has made SweeTango a fan favorite among consumers and retailers alike.
“It is successful partnerships that help SweeTango stand out in a crowded market,” Miller said. “We strive to grow the best of the best in the apple category to help improve customer awareness and acceptance of apples.”
The company’s advice to retailers is to keep SweeTango on shelves for longer and promote the brilliance of this apple.
“It will have your customers coming back for more,” Miller said. “Many retailers have options for additional varieties as the season progresses, but we say bet on SweeTango as consumers are looking for them well into the new year. We have them and are ready to ship.”
Next Big Thing is keeping a look out for new and emerging varieties of apples as well as moving through tough conditions for its growers.
“It is important that all consumers appreciate and recognize the importance of farming and farmers on our economy and for our children in the future,” Miller said. “We are continually developing better ways to grow SweeTango and keep farming families in the business or agriculture.”
Miller is proud to work with an amazing group of farmers and growers.
“They embody the resilience and fortitude that our farmers have demonstrated for generations,” she said. “They are amazing growers but more amazing people. They welcome me with open arms when I travel for business, always have their eye on the future and have a never quit attitude. I am proud to work for each and every one.”