John Cushing,  vice president of sales for New York Apple Sales Inc., headquartered in Glenmont, NY, told The Produce News that the company has attended and exhibited at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event since its inception.

“We were among the original exhibitors,” said Cushing. “As there is a two year wait for new vendors to participate, we feel we got in on the ground floor of a very exciting, positive trade show. The limited size is beneficial for companies as more and more attendees go to the show every year and can concentrate on hitting a manageable number of booths.”

New York Apple Sales is the largest and most geographically diverse sales agency in New York State. Its growers and packing facilities are located in all of the major growing regions in New York, insuring it of a consistent supply of quality fruit with greater packing and shipping flexibility.

The company ships approximately one-third of New York’s fresh apple crop every week to retail chain stores, wholesalers, foodservice operators and terminal markets throughout the United States. It also exports its apples to Asia, Central America, Israel, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Thailand and the United Kingdom. And it imports fruit from Chile and New Zealand to fulfill customer demands for Southern Hemisphere fruit.

“We are especially excited about the ‘KORU Plumac’ apple variety from New Zealand, as well as the growth of the New Zealand Honey Crisp program,” noted Cushing. “We continue to promote and market both programs, and will do so at Booth No. 216 at the Southern Exposure event.”

The “Plumac” is the name of the tree that produces the “KORU” apple variety. It is a controlled variety with both tree- and production-based royalties. Export from New Zealand is controlled through in-market partners to designated countries.

Cushing will be joined at the conference and expo by Mike Harwood, sales representative for New York Apple Sales.

“We feel the benefits of the Southern Exposure event include direct contact with a multitude of buyers from across the country,” Cushing pointed out. “Also, it is a smaller, more intimate atmosphere, giving exhibitors an opportunity to talk to customers and vendors alike in a relaxed atmosphere. The key to this show is the limits placed on vendors to keep it small.”

He added that representatives from New York Apple Sales always attend the Opening Gala Party.

The company also announced that it has entered into a working relationship with Scotian Gold from Nova Scotia.

“This relationship is to promote the Honey Crisp from New York, Nova Scotia and New Zealand, in order to expand the season for this popular variety,” Cushing added.

New York Apple Sales recently launched its new website, newyorkapplessales.com.

“The new site highlights our grower-partners as well as our Facebook page,” said Cushing. “We have also updated our logo to a more modern, vibrant look.”