“Growing in the apple category — probably the most competitive in the produce aisle — is not an easy task, so we’re pushing hard and looking to do promotions and get the Modi out there for people to taste,” he said. “The apple is one that produces a wide range of sizes. We have three skus: the apple bite, which is about a 198-size snack apple, sold in three-pound clamshell apple bites; the mid-range apple, which is a 125/138 size sold in pouch bags; and bulk 113 and larger.”
At the booth, Kelso will be joined by Bob Freeman, who heads up retail sales, as well as salesperson Olivia Kelso, Derrell’s daughter.
“This is the first show we ever had the Modi in, and I’m looking forward to see what the interest is both in retail and in foodservice,” Kelso said. “We’re looking for school customers in the Midwest and East Coast who are interested in a unique eating apple for the kids.”
JJB Family Farms has never attended the IFPA show before, though Kelso has attended as a representative of Onions Etc., so he understands the importance of a show like this.
“We are very excited about telling people about JJB Farms; we do other things besides apples, we do a lot with onions and we will have some unique onion items at the booth as well,” Kelso said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends. Bob and I have both been in the industry for 30 years and there’s a lot of people we have done business with over the years. It’s always great to go back and see everybody.”
