With this year’s U.S. apple crop projected to be even larger than last year’s, how can retailers cut through the noise to maximize their apple sales?

As the new crop apple season dawns upon us, there is cause for excitement in the apple industry. Washington state reports a remarkable 29 percent increase in its apple crop. This surge in production can be attributed to the favorable spring conditions that have nurtured a bountiful yield of clean and high-quality fruit.

After many years of successful partnership, Starr Ranch Growers and Gilbert Orchards will be parting ways in 2024.  Regardless of this change coming in the new year, the two family-owned businesses will continue to work together to ensure an orderly transition and continued excellent quality of service and supply to customers.

With peak apple season upon us, Envy apples is partnering with The Pioneer Woman magazine to spark consumer trials, stimulate repeat purchases and inspire expanded usage occasions.  

The Pioneer Woman, founded by blogger and food writer Ree Drummond, shares food and lifestyle inspiration and recipes both online and in print. The most recent quarterly issue arrived at newsstands on Aug. 22 and features three Envy-centric pages, including a brand ad, custom content and a behind-the-scenes editorial taste test.

Growing apples in southeast Michigan is a year-long venture for the Swindeman family — owners and operators of Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers. “We start working on next year’s crop almost immediately after the current crop is harvested,” said Michael Swindeman, a grower at Applewood Orchards. “The orchards are mowed, irrigation systems are winterized, equipment maintenance is performed and construction of new trellis systems begin for spring’s new plantings.”

Honeybear Brands is looking to be an industry leader in sustainability, based on its 2022 Sustainability Report results. The company’s year-three sustainability performance shows Honeybear Brands at more than 50 percent of goal for each of its key initiatives focused on sustainable and regenerative agriculture.