New York Apple Sales launches Yes! Apples

For more than 50 years, New York Apple Sales has partnered with multiple growers and packing facilities throughout New York State to deliver an exceptional selection, competitive pricing and superior fruit all year long.

“We are the only Eastern apple marketer supplying apples from all growing regions across New York State,” said Tenley Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing for the Glenmont, NY-based company. “We own two of the nine commercial apple packing sheds in the state of New York, and market over 4 million cases of Eastern apples on average each year.”

The company’s footprint covers the lake region following the shores of Lake Ontario to the north along Lake Champlain and all throughout the Hudson Valley.

Creativity and resilience in an ever-changing industry and environment has sustained New York Apple Sales over time, and will move the business into its next phase of life.

At PMA last October, New York Apple Sales soft-launched a new consumer-first brand, Yes! Apples. After continuous brand work and development, the company is set to fully launch the new brand this season.

“New York Apple Sales has been saying Yes! to apples for over 100 years, so we’ve decided to make it official and launch a consumer-friendly brand that is reflective of us saying Yes! to doing more for our growers, retailers and consumers,” Fitzgerald said. “Now, with Yes! Apples, we can provide even more growth opportunities through promotional efforts between Yes! Apples, retailers, influencers, and brand partners.”

Kaari Stannard, the company’s chief executive officer, noted her perspective is to have good stewardship of the land and resources and offer excellent service to grower and retail partners.

“A team attitude across all functions — harvest, packing, sales and logistics—has been even more important this year as we move quickly, pivot thoughtfully, and adjust to the changing landscape and safety precautions in the wake of the pandemic,” Stannard said.

The company is very excited about its 2020 apple crop this season, especially after the trying spring across the East Coast.

“We continue to expect our volumes on core varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji to increase, while we also launch and continue to expand our club varieties such as SweeTango, KORU, SnapDragon, RubyFrost, Evercrisp and Smitten,” Fitzgerald said. “Our growers are doing everything to continue to deliver high quality fruit, from hand-thinning to irrigating to installing hail nets.”

Next year, New York Apple Sales will have its first substantial harvest of Rave apples, which has proven to be a winner amongst consumers with its enticing juicy flavor and delightfully snappy zing.

The company is looking to connect with consumers through Yes!, and is already interacting with consumers daily through its social channels, giveaways and partnerships.

“One event in particular that we are thrilled to be a part of is Pop-Up Grocer in New York City this fall,” Fitzgerald said. “Pop-Up Grocer is a traveling pop-up grocery store, showcasing hundreds of products from 150+ of the most innovative and exciting food, beverage, home, pet, and body care brands today. We will be showcasing three of our apple varieties, and can’t wait for new customers, retailers, and partners to fall in love with Yes!”

She noted that there are so many choices in the produce department these days and the company wants consumers to know that by choosing Yes! Apples, they are choosing to support a women-owned, family-grown business that cares deeply about the legacy of its growers and the land.

“Yes! has also partnered with 1% for the Planet, and a portion of our sales from select bags will support both the National Young Farmers Coalition and Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture,” Fitzgerald said.