Michigan apples are a year-round program for North Bay Produce and are therefore a very important segment to the company’s sales and profits.

A cooperative of more than 32 grower-owners from North, Central and South America, North Bay started as an apple company but has since expanded to a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.

Keep your apples close and your promotions closer. With volumes up and dollars down from the same time last year, Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said frequent multi-variety promotions pose as a solution to closing the gap between apple volumes and sales this season.

The Michigan Apple Committee works in the areas of consumer education, research, market development and communications with the primary goal to help Michigan Apple growers be successful in their businesses.

“Our main focus area is working to increase Michigan Apple consumption amongst consumers,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Our mission is to enhance the reputation of Michigan Apples, improve their share of sales in target markets and aid the profitability and sustainability of Michigan’s apple industry.”

When it comes to selling apples, it is not your grandmother’s or even your mom’s winter selling season anymore.

With technology improving — and keeping more varieties of apples fresh during the winter months — and more international and domestic apple growers in more temperate areas of the U.S. shipping product, consumers can rest easy in their search for many types of apples during the cold winter months.

In a strategic alliance that fueled excitement throughout the industry, CMI Orchards joined forces with Starr Ranch/Oneonta Trading Co., incorporating entities like Custom Apple, Diamond Fruit and Apple King. Joel Hewitt, vice president of sales for CMI Orchards, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the combined skills and experience of two exceptional teams that have ushered in a new era of innovation.

The JUICI apple season is off to a strong start, with sales performance already showing almost double the gains over last year, according to CMI Orchards.

CMI Vice President of Business Strategy Loren Foss recommended retailers add JUICI to their assortment to capture incremental sales by delivering on quality, flavor and the excitement that comes with a limited-availability item.