Currently, Hess Bros., in Leola, PA, is operated by second and third generation family members.

The company reorganized in 2012 upon the retirement and ultimate death of Jerry Hess, brother of Fred Hess, second generation members.

Today Fred Hess serves as company president. He is joined in overseeing the company’s operations by Jerry’s son, Ryan Hess; another nephew, Andy Figart; and Jerry’s son-in-law, Zack King.

“This new generation joined me in ownership and management of the company when Jerry retired,” said Fred Hess. “They are all highly experienced and have worked for the firm for some time. They are 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.

Leola, PA-based Hess Bros. is operated by second and third generation family members. Pictured are Zack King, human resources and assistant plant manager, Ryan Hess, fruit procurement and grower relations, and Andrew Figart, sales and marketing. During the generations the company has grown and expanded considerably. Today it distributes over 20 premium eastern apple varieties which are purchased through a network of hand-picked orchards. The apples are then distributed to a wide-range of markets including grocery stores, retail outlets and foodservice operations.

In the past few months, the company has been actively in the process of purchasing a new building in Lancaster, close to the location it has occupied since 1964.

“When completed, the new building will be a cutting-edge, highly-technical operation,” said Hess. “It is larger than our current facility, and eventually our headquarters will be relocated to it.”

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

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.”

“When it comes to quality, we have another great crop this year,” he said.

“The fruit size as well as the crop volume is very manageable, which is exactly what we like,” he added.