While consumer preferences are in a state of continual change, it appears their apple choices are shifting at a rapid rate. Variety flavor profiles often are the most significant reason.
This is making it another key decision time for many apple growers around the world. Associated International Group of Nurseries (AIGN®) is not only anticipating this trend but has a large database and a communication system in place so that its members are always looking ahead to the next wave of consumer favorites.
“Those in the nursery business always have one eye to the future,” says Lynnell Brandt, President of AIGN® in Yakima, Washington. “But it’s also a fact there are some who are better equipped to be able to match what the grower needs than others. This is where AIGN® comes in.”
Always being watchful and anticipating market changes was one of the most important things Brandt had in mind 27 years ago when, with the ‘cream of the crop’ in the world’s tree fruit nursery business, he and a couple of others founded AIGN®.
“AIGN® was developed first with the best team in the business in order to have progressive members within the world’s major horticultural regions,” Brandt says. “This has continued to evolve with the growers in mind as central to a new area of variety management programs, inventory and quality assurance.”
With ten members located strategically in those regions, the AIGN® focus has now moved to its worldwide impact with its involvement with intellectual property. This is a key element in introducing and commercializing new products.
Photo: AIGN members
“When it comes to providing the growers with new varieties in some ways it’s really no different than other successful product introductions,” Brandt says.
“For AIGN having experts in the key international areas gives it an advantage in placing those selections that are more likely to be grower friendly and productive while satisfying the consumers of today and tomorrow.”
Founded in 1988, AIGN® has members in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, Europe and South Africa.
Contact:
Alan Taylor
Tel: 509-961-9186