Honeybear® Brands Spotlights Year-Round Organic Apple Supply; Don Roper Comments
ELGIN, MN - With Mother Nature, there are no guarantees, only predictions. After the Washington apple crop experienced a decrease in volume throughout the 2022–23 season, Honeybear® Brands is wielding a dual-hemisphere growing strategy to ensure a year-round supply of organic apples to meet shopper demand.
“The idea of healthy food and healthy environment is something that continues to grow for Americans and drives their desire for organic products,” says Don Roper, Vice President Sales and Marketing. “Really good organic apples can be hard to come by in the summer months, but the data shows us the demand is there and growing every year. That’s why we continue to grow our southern hemisphere program that allows us to refresh the organic supply during a time when domestic supply begins to run short.”
As Honeybear noted in a release, the Washington organic apple supply was only down 2 percent, but organic Honeycrisp saw a 14 percent drop. Throughout the season, retailers have been flexible in promoting other organic varieties, but Honeybear’s Chilean fruit is now providing consumers with a supply of the popular Honeycrisp variety and other key offerings.
In 2022, the sale of organic products reached an all-time high, with organic produce pulling out ahead, according to the Organic Trade Association. For apples, organics represent 15 percent of total sales, which is up from 14 percent in 2020, according to IRI. With demand increasing steadily each year, supply assurance is of great importance to retailers looking to meet the needs of their shoppers to encourage repeat purchases and store loyalty.
Honeybear’s Chilean crop is grown in conditions with just the right balance of warm days, cooler nights, and perfect rainfall that are key to flavorful apples. Additionally, the precision work of the company’s teams on the ground growing, picking, and packing contributes to premium-quality apples. Moving forward, the Honeybear import program will continue to grow along with consumer demand for fresh organic apples.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more crop updates and growing strategies.
