Rainier satisfies with flavor-rich apples
Rainier satisfies with flavor-rich apples
The apple program at Rainier Fruit Co. is sweet, juicy and continuing to grow on all fronts. “This season, Washington product feels like it is moving through retail at a very brisk rate,” said Andy Tudor, director of business development. “I believe the reason is we are delivering a better, more consistent eating experience.”
The company markets a full apple manifest to its retail partners. “As some of the lesser varieties taper off, we will continue to focus on the core of the manifest — Gala, Fuji and Granny — and feature the rising stars such as Honeycrisp, Jazz, Pink Lady, our own Junami and Lady Alice, and organics,” he told The Produce News.
Rainier continues on its growth track, established during the past decade, to expand the breadth and depth of its organic apple program. “Category growth is still in the double digits, so the state continues to be in a demand- exceeds-supply’ situation,” Tudor stated. “There is talk of substantial Washington acreage in organic three-year transition, but unless you farm the right varieties in the right locations, a very difficult process can become exceedingly difficult.”
Consumers demand varieties such as Pink Lady, Jazz, Junami, Lady Alice, Ambrosia and Opal which provide high flavor and an outstanding eating experience. “The Honeycrisp phenomenon has helped broaden consumers’ willingness to try new varieties,” Tudor said. “We are offering our proprietary varieties in pouch bags for the first time. Our conventional and organic pear pouch bag program has been well received.”
