GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – All eyes are on this comeback crop of Michigan apples – and we couldn’t be more pleased with the attention.
Crop condition. Every variety of apple is looking good, and our trees are basking in the warm temperatures and (mostly) plentiful rainfall. The 90-degree temperatures Michigan experienced last week were no problem for a crop at this stage.
Hand-thinning is nearly complete and we have a good range of sizes on the trees. (The photo shows our crew hand-thinning earlier this month.)
Food safety certification. As the packing season gets underway, all Riveridge corporate and member packing houses will again complete annual food safety certification inspections. All Riveridge and affiliate packing houses are certified by both USDA and Primus. This year for the first time, they will all add the GFSI certification credential, as well.
Harvest 4 weeks away! The first-picked Michigan summer apples – Paula Red and Ginger Gold – should come off the trees approximately Aug. 20 and Aug. 25, respectively. They’ll be followed shortly by Gala, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp. We’ll have promotable quantities a few days after harvest. (See the 2013 Apple Harvest Schedule.)
After a year “off,” we know shoppers are eager to enjoy Michigan apples, so place your orders soon. We’ll have Paula Red and Ginger Gold in both trays and poly bags, and can consider custom packs if you contact us right away.
Merchandising tip: Create some excitement with a “Welcome back, Paula Red Party” in your produce department! We can provide you free signage on these crisp, tasty summer apples.
Tweetin’ out the latest. For quick updates and photos of Michigan’s comeback apple crop, follow Riveridge Produce on Twitter.
Sincerely,
Dawn Geers Rog Geers Brian Johnson
Melissa Dubridge Russell Comport Don Armock
|
|
