Hess Bros. Fruit Co., in Leola, PA, is in the final phases of purchasing a new building in Lancaster, close to the location it has occupied since 1964.

Fred Hess is the company president. Upon the retirement of his long-time partner and brother, Jerry Hess, in 2012, the company reorganized. With Fred Hess included, the company now has four family member partners. Jerry Hess died last May.

“Jerry’s son, Ryan Hess; another nephew, Andy Figart; and Jerry’s son-in-law, Zack King, joined me in ownership and management of the company when Jerry retired,” said Hess. “They are all highly experienced and have worked for the firm for some time. This new generation is doing an outstanding job.”

Ryan Hess is in charge of fruit procurement and grower relations. Figart oversees sales and marketing and King manages human resources and is the assistant plant manager.

Hess said when the new building is completed it will be a cutting-edge, highly-technical operation.

“It is larger than our current facility,” Hess added. “Eventually our headquarters will be relocated to it.”

Hess said that volumes on Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji apples are up while Red and Golden Delicious demand has lessened over the past few years.

“When it comes to quality, we have another great crop this year,” said Hess. “The trees have benefited from lots of moisture and sunshine. The fruit size as well as the crop volume is very manageable this year. It is not as large as last year’s crop, but that’s just fine. We like a manageable crop.”

He pointed out that last year’s huge national apple crop created some market difficulties, especially because Washington state had a very large crop.

“We are hearing that Washington’s crop is smaller this year, and that will also make for better market conditions,” Hess noted.

The demand for the Honeycrisp continues to grow strongly, and it pulls in a premium.

Hess said that part of the growing demand is the varietal profile; it’s sweet and crisp and superb for fresh eating.

Also contributing to the higher price is that it’s difficult to store, so it has a shorter season than others.

“But storage research is improving on the Honeycrisp,” Hess explained. “It now stores nicely for several months.”

Harvesting at Hess Bros. is on schedule this year.

“The beginning of September is a real strong kick-off for us,” said Hess. “We start with Galas in mid-August and then quickly move into volumes of McIntosh, Honeycrisp and Ginger Gold.

“The time of year is also a major boost for apple harvesting,” he continued. “Apples are synonymous with school starting, and with increased consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of the fruit.”