Crunch Time Apple Growers Announces New Sales Partnerships; Jessica Wells, Brian Coates, and Kari Soldaat Share
LOCKPORT, NY - The fall apple harvest is quickly approaching, and in a play to expand its market reach, Crunch Time Apple Growers, the collective behind SnapDragon™ and RubyFrost™, has revealed two new partners. The company recently granted two Michigan-based apple packaging, shipping, and marketing facilities, Applewood Fresh Growers and Riveridge Produce Marketing, the license to market both varieties.
“Crunch Time is excited about the addition of new sales partners this season with Applewood Fresh Growers and Riveridge Produce Marketing being the most recent additions to our team,” said Jessica Wells, Executive Director, Crunch Time Apple Growers. “The real winners as a result of these partnerships are our consumers, as the result will be SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples being in retailers where they weren’t before.”
As SnapDragon and RubyFrost have gained popularity, retailers outside of the Northwest region have requested the chance to offer the varieties to their shoppers, and, according to a press release, these new partnerships will help Crunch Time meet this demand. In teaming up with Applewood and Riveridge, the company will be able to expand its geographic reach among new and existing buy-side allies, especially in the Midwest. This will give more consumers the opportunity to indulge in the tasty apples on a more consistent basis.
Applewood Fresh Growers is a grower, packer, shipper, and marketer based in Sparta, Michigan, with company roots going back to 1935.
“We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of Crunch Time Apple Growers,” said Brian Coates, Vice President Sales and Business Development, Applewood Fresh Growers. “SnapDragon and RubyFrost are both valuable contributors to the emerging varieties of apples that are focused on delivering outstanding flavor and quality to drive sales growth in the apple category. We are thrilled to be included in this group of apple marketers and to make these flavorful apples available to our customers.”
Riveridge is a vertically integrated apple grower, packer, shipper, and marketer that was established over three decades ago in an apple-growing area referred to as “The Ridge” in West Michigan. The company continues to evolve across food safety, new orchard technology, and innovation in sales and marketing.
“The opportunity to market SnapDragon and RubyFrost expands the Riveridge portfolio of apples, giving our buyers another great tasting apple for their lineup,” commented Kari Soldaat, Director of Sales, Riveridge Produce Marketing. “It’s easy to recognize Crunch Time Apple Growers is investing in strategies to grow and market these varieties, and we’re looking forward to sharing our experience and knowledge to help build upon its success.”
As Crunch Time looks to further extend its market reach, what will be the company’s next move? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell, so keep clicking back.
