The volume of apples is down from last year in Michigan this season. "That's because of the size of the fruit. It's a bit on the smaller side," says Trish Taylor of Riveridge Produce, noting that this follows this year's drier growing conditions in Western Michigan, where the company is based.
© Riveridge Produce
That said, the harvest finished up with some rainfall, which helped size some of the fruit though ultimately those earlier dry conditions are believed to be why the fruit is on the smaller side. Other than that, the growing conditions were fairly typical. "Fall was a bit late–we had a warm end of summer/early fall, and then it turned cool almost overnight sparking thoughts of apple season for consumers," adds Taylor, adding that the quality is good on the fruit this season. "One thing you're hearing from long-time apple growers is that this is the best-colored fruit they've seen here in Michigan."
Coming into the holiday season, packing is busy at Riveridge Produce, which is moving core varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji. Ambrosia are also shipping and anecdotally, Taylor says it's the variety many seem to be catching onto. "It's a bit of a sleeper apple–when people find it, they love it. It's also really consistent in flavor year to year."
The appeal of apples
As for demand, it's steady and picking up for the holiday season. "We started off slower because of the warm temperatures and apples aren't top of mind. As soon as the cooler temperatures arrived, it's been steady," says Taylor. "Apples also don't seem to be as affected by inflation. Consumers can grab a bag and see that the price hasn't changed much year to year, and it's a great nutrient bang for your buck. I picture apples going back to the status of staple. They're a nice grab and go option and keep fresh and crisp in the fridge for a long time."
© Riveridge Produce
What is up this year is demand for the company's cider products. In the last year, Riveridge introduced single-serve pints and demand for that product is growing. Also, the company sells Vander Mill cider, a local nonalcoholic cider product available in Michigan flavors such as sparkling apple-cranberry, apple-blueberry and Honeycrisp, changing with the seasons.
As for pricing on apples, it's consistent with last year's pricing.
For more information:
Trish Taylor
Riveridge Produce
Tel: +1 (616) 887-6873
[email protected]
www.riveridgeproduce.com
