Pacificpro Inc. is not expecting any major disruption to its apple marketing program this season. “Pacificpro works with a large percentage of the preeminent growers and packers statewide,”   said Vice President Randy Hartmann. “Although some were affected by Pacificpro Inc. Vice President of Operations Marcus Hartmann, President Craig Hartmann and Vice President Randy Hartmann. (Photo courtesy of Pacificpro Inc.)the recent hailstorm, none of the individual packers-shippers with whom we work anticipate a significant decrease in availability this season from previous seasons due to hail damage.”

The family-owned and operated business is located in Bellevue, WA. In addition to Mr. Hartmann, President Craig Hartmann and Vice President of Operations Marcus Hartmann steer the helm.

“Washington apples have been a key commodity since our company’s inception, and President Craig Hartmann has been procuring and shipping Washington apples since he started in the business in Washington state in 1975,” Randy Hartmann told The Produce News on Aug. 15. “We are excited about this season’s Washington apple crop, optimistic for the year ahead and grateful for the ongoing opportunity to work closely with our growers, packers and shippers to meet our customers’ apple needs year-round.”

Damage occurred throughout Washington’s growing districts and was not variety specific. Mr. Hartmann was asked to provide some insights about damage. “The extent of the damage is tough to quantify,” he replied. “We have heard a wide range of reports on anticipated damage, depending on the grower and region. We have seen some of the affected orchards where the damage was slight to moderate and others where it was a bit more severe. Projections were for the largest crop in state history prior to the hailstorm, so the damage should put us back in line with recent years.”

Despite the impact of the storm, he went on to say, “Overall, the strong bloom and good growing conditions were very conducive to a nice, clean crop with good shape. We anticipate sizing up one to two sizes from 2011 due to the good growing conditions and warmer temperatures.”

Pacificpro markets Red Delicious, Gold Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cameo, Jonagold, Red Rome, as well as some trademarked varieties offered by its shippers. “We anticipate a U.S. No. 1 pack for the hail-damaged fruit,” Mr. Hartmann added.

The apple harvest began the week of Aug. 20 with Gala production. “New crop Golds should start around the first week of September, Reds and Grannies around Sept. 17 and other varieties to follow,” he commented. Organic apples account for five percent of the company’s overall annual volume. “We will have good availability on organic apples as long as they remain available out of Washington state,” he added.

Apples are marketed under partner labels and brands. “We will be shipping tray packs, cell packs, Euros, poly and soft net bags, tri-wall bins and mixed fruit bags,” Mr. Hartmann said. “In addition, we have many packaging options on sliced apples, single layer gift boxes and various other promotional and branded packaging. We maintain good access to all packaging options to ensure that we meet all customers’ and consumers’ needs.”

Pacificpro moves commodities from the Pacific Northwest for national distribution to retailers, wholesalers and foodservice suppliers. “We procure and ship full loads and LTLs to every region of the U.S. on a daily basis,” Mr. Hartmann stated. “Our knowledge of the Northwest produce market, unrivaled access to quality product throughout the region and expertise in logistical management of straight and less-than-truckloads to markets nationwide make us a great strategic partner and ally.” According to Mr. Hartmann, Pacificpro export accounts for under five percent of the company’s shipments.

Pacificpro provides marketing and promotional support to its customers. “These programs are often evolving and changing to satisfy the customers and consumer’s specific needs and demands,” Mr. Hartmann stated.