​BREWSTER, WA - Whether the weather is cold or sunny, nothing beats the crunchy bite of a juicy apple, and Honeybear® Brands sure knows it! In time for this year’s Southern Exposure, Honeybear will be showcasing its Pazazz apple for attendees along with several updates to its operations, its latest campaign, and packing developments.

“Pazazz is a late-season apple that is part Honeycrisp and part giddy up with a bold, bright, and juicy flavor profile. It’s one of the best-tasting apples this time of the year,” Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, explains. “We hope folks will stop by and see for themselves why adding Pazazz to their deck can drive category sales. Eating an apple a day can provide mood-boosting effects, and we are leaning into that message in our social campaign and in-store assets.”

In addition to showcasing the grower’s latest campaign, the Honeybear team will also be discussing how the current import season can provide necessary supply assurance from Chile to ensure fresh product availability throughout the summer to help retailers drive sell-through and support top-line sales. A strong Southern Hemisphere supply of Honeycrisp this summer will provide much-needed supply assurance and promotion opportunities currently lacking in the marketplace. Honeybear also has price-conscious shoppers in mind with the company’s latest SWEET DEAL offering.

“At a time when inflation is on consumers’ minds, we have introduced a budget-conscious item called SWEET DEAL,” Don continues. “This item provides flexibility to hit a hot price on a number of different varieties and bag sizes. We can deliver it in a branded tri-wall bin, which provides a cart-stopping fresh destination and easy merchandising opportunities.”

In addition to promotional opportunities, the company is bolstering apple departments with an expansion of its portfolio with the addition of a new growing partner.

“This past year, we have added a key production partner in Elite Apple Company, based in Sparta, Michigan. The Elite team of growers comprises 3^rd and 4^th generation apple growers producing premium apples in one of the best growing regions in the Midwest,” Don shares. “We look forward to our partnership with Elite to continue to provide Honeybear supply solutions to our key retail partners.”

As shoppers expect quality products with environmentally conscious backgrounds, Honeybear is on the money. Don also revealed the addition of its cutting-edge packing operation and a heightened focus on its sustainability efforts.

“Honeybear’s number one internal initiative centers around our sustainability efforts. Our company goals are clearly identified, measured, and strived toward as we increase pollinator habits in our orchards, achieve zero food waste, create zero plastic waste by 2025, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent, and source all of our electric needs through renewable sources by 2030,” Don says. “We will be releasing a new report this summer showcasing our progress.”

Coupled with the grower’s new state-of-the-art packing operation in Washington, I’d say Honeybear has it in the bag. Honeybear hopes to introduce key customers to the facility this summer and fall to witness the capabilities and commitment it prides itself on. This includes investing in projects to bring customers management tools and insights to elevate the category, a key topic the team will be eager to discuss at Southern Exposure.

“The Southeast Produce Council provides an intimate opportunity to have meaningful, engaging conversations with buyers; it’s ideal for connecting with current and prospective customers,” Kristi Harris, Marketing Brand Manager, jumps in. “Our goal is always to demonstrate our products and services are second to none. We know every single PO needs to be earned, and every member of the team buys into our customer-first commitment.”

As the grower will be focusing on apples come March 2, buyers planning for summer programs will be in luck; cherries are on the horizon.

“With cherry season soon approaching, we look forward to taking some time to plan summer programs with customers,” Don says. “We are just coming off of a successful import cherry program last year, and we know that’s critical for consumers who are more likely to purchase cherries in the summer if they had a good experience with import cherries.”

A lot of news from the team, and Honeybear is sure to hold booth #418 down with a myriad of conversations! Check back in with ANUK as we continue to report.

Honeybear® Brands