“We are a multi-generational, family operated sales company,” Ron Cohn, president of Stanley Orchards Sales Inc. in Modena, NY, told The Produce News. “We represent New York and some New England growers for domestic sales. We also export to Israel, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Russia, the latter of which is somewhat contentious this year. And we import from Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Peru. In all, we’re dealing in eight countries at this time.”

Continuity and longevity have indeed kept Stanley orchards strong throughout its long history. It was founded in 1931 by Morris and Sadie Cohn, fulfilling their lifelong dream by buying a farm in New York’s Hudson Valley. Today, the fourth generation, 24-year-old Jordan Cohn, has also joined the firm.

Domestically Stanley Orchards’ apples are distributed throughout the Northeast, along the East Coast and some to the Midwest. It sells its apples under the New York Apple Association’s “Apple Country” label, and it also provides private label for its customers.

Tony Maresca, sales manager for Stanley Orchards, said that the company’s growers are making a pretty good move on the Honeycrisp apple currently.

“Some new club varieties like the SnapDragon and RubyFrost are out there, but it’s a little early to get a good read on them,” said Maresca. “They are still in limited supplies and large chains cannot dedicate space on a limited basis. I think that for major supermarkets club varieties are still a bit of an afterthought.”

Although the company’s primary customers are major retail chains, it also sells a small amount to wholesalers.

Maresca said that overall apple demand is strong and growing.

“Some of this push is due to nutritional factors, but a lot is because of the retail push apples are getting today,” he explained. “The tote bag movement has been a tremendous success — and the volume that the totes are generating is mind-boggling.

“Our Ginger Gold volumes have increased considerably because they’re a popular choice for the totes — we pack them out quickly for this use,” he added.

Honeycrisp apples, he noted, are still at a little higher price point and so aren’t the first choice for tote bags. However they are performing outstanding at retail stores.

“Everyone wants the Honeycrisp as early as possible in the season,” said Maresca. “We have nice volumes coming on this year. Last year we were out of them before Christmas, but the interest was still strong. This year’s crop is a little larger, and some of the younger trees are now being harvested, so we’re hoping that the season runs longer this season.”

Maresca said that all expectations are high for a good crop this year.

“The temperatures, moisture and sun combined for a perfect mix,” he said. “The fruit is beautiful. It’s a very clean crop of adequate volumes.

“We’ll be starting to move Ginger Golds by about the second week of August and harvests will continue with all other varieties through early November,” he continued. “We’re looking forward to a really nice season.”