Honeybear Brands, a grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, continued to differentiate itself this year through data-driven retail partnerships. With strategic packing and distribution locations across North America and comprehensive import programs, the company provides retailers with seamless, year-round supply solutions.

At the core of its strategy is the Honeybear Insights Team, an analytics group that delivers category intelligence to help retailers optimize assortment, pricing and promotions. HIT is central to Honeybear’s ability to drive category growth and performance for its customers.

“We want to help our customers be successful, even if that means encouraging the promotion of a variety that isn’t ours,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Honeybear Brands. “That honest, uncensored level of communication is key to the trusted relationships Honeybear has developed throughout the industry.”

Through unbiased, data-backed analysis, the Honeybear Insights Team evaluates category performance, shopper behavior and pricing strategies to help retailers better meet consumer demand. Honeybear says these insights — combined with the company’s product quality and operational scale — allow customers to make more confident decisions and grow their apple and pear categories profitably.

Apples: The Second Banana

According to USApple, apples remain the second most consumed fruit in the United States, behind bananas. Honeybear Brands is supporting industry efforts to increase consumption, particularly among younger consumers, by emphasizing apples’ health and convenience benefits.

“Apples have seen a drop in consumption with younger consumers. We need to turn that trend around and give them a reason to choose apples first for a variety of eating occasions,” said Kristi Harris, brand manager at Honeybear Brands. “Health-conscious consumers want foods that deliver both nutrition and convenience — and apples have both. Calling out trending health benefits and ease of use, alongside flavor, is a key part of our merchandising and digital strategy.”

High in fiber for gut health, portable for on-the-go lifestyles and available in a wide range of flavors and colors, apples remain a strong fit for today’s wellness-focused shoppers. From snacks to salads, side dishes and desserts, Honeybear says there is an apple for every taste and occasion.

Retail partners interested in learning how the Honeybear Insights Team can support category growth can contact their Honeybear Brands sales representative.