Over the last decade, the apple category has evolved to sate a growing appetite for organics. Consumers crave new and exciting flavors; CMI feeds that hunger with a fourth tier of selling power devoted to high-flavor, branded organics available in one place. This is the perfect time to capitalize on that hunger and trade shoppers up, deliver incremental sales for the apple category, and give shoppers organic options that satiates their desire to eat well.

Situated on the Michigan Produce Terminal in Detroit, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons serves local and national chain stores, as well as foodservice providers. The company’s distribution network ranges to most areas of the United States and also into Canada, and it has continued expanding yearly.

In spite of all the problems we've had with COVID-19, weather and inflation, I still see fully stocked and attractive produce departments in all of my visits to the stores. This is attributed to how well every level in our industry operates. From the growers to the produce managers, the product always gets through to the consumers.

Crunch Time Apple Growers of Lockport, NY, reports its exclusive offering, RubyFrost, is up 25 percent this crop year. Described as an all-purpose apple, RubyFrost is known for its deep red skin and bright white flesh, ideal for baking or setting out on the counter for a grab-and-go snack.

Ocean Mist Farms is expecting an outstanding 2023 winter artichoke season with abundant volume and excellent quality throughout February and early March. In time to meet shopper demand around healthy eating choices, as well as being a staple ingredient in comfort food during the winter months, this increased supply of artichokes provides retailers an opportunity for a seasonal boost in category sales.

Fowler Farms offers approximately 20 different apple varieties and also has several different types of ciders, so the company knows apples well.

Austin Fowler, co-owner of the Wolcott, NY-based company, has been surrounded by apples for most of his life, so he understands what it takes to be a success in the segment as well as anyone.