SPARTA, Mich. — Applewood Fresh Growers LLC expects a production increase of 20 percent over last year for SweeTango®. As the lead marketer in the Midwest for the variety that comes from the Minnesota breeding program, Applewood Fresh promotes the marriage of the Honeycrisp and Zestar! varieties in SweeTango for its standout flavor and texture. SweeTango is expected to start in Michigan around September 3rd.
Applewood Fresh is the exclusive seller of the KIKU® and Kanzi® managed varieties in the Midwest. Increased volume of 50% percent is projected for the 2019 season with Kanzi and a 10% increase with Kiku.
The newest variety expected to catapult Applewood Fresh’s reputation for excellence is Rave®. The company has grown the juicy, early season Honeycrisp-meets-MonArk cross as a test for the past three years. An agreement has been signed with Stemilt, a family-owned fruit tree growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington, to plant significant acreage of the variety in two locations in Michigan.
A second packing line at the facility where Applewood Fresh headquarters is located in Sparta, Michigan, will more than double the capacity for all varieties.
“More capacity allows us to bring on more quality fruit from some of the finest young growers and family operations in the Michigan industry,” says Scott Swindeman, Co-owner of Applewood Fresh Growers “Working together to produce the very finest apples is important to all of us—our growers, Applewood Fresh and our valued customers.
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About Applewood Fresh
Applewood Fresh Growers LLC, a grower, packer, shipper and marketer of the finest Michigan apples, can trace its roots back to 1935 and the founding of affiliate company Applewood Orchards, Inc. With its third generation of family ownership, the company represents growers at primarily family-owned orchards across the state that inspire a mission to bring quality apples to consumers year-round. Applewood Fresh currently ships 21 apple varieties, made possible by its network of 50+ growers.
For more information, please visit ApplewoodFresh.com.