Jul 9, 2019

Production expected up for Michigan SweeTango, Kiku, other apples

Applewood Fresh Growers expect a production increase of 20% over last year for SweeTango, as well as growth in production of other club varieties.

In a press release, Applewood said it was “the lead marketer in the Midwest” for the variety that comes from the Minnesota breeding program. SweeTango is expected to start in Michigan around Sept. 3.

Applewood Fresh is the exclusive seller of the Kiku and Kanzi managed varieties in the Midwest. The increased volume of 50% 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,” said 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.”

Applewood Fresh Growers is a grower, packer, shipper and marketer of Michigan apples. Its roots go back to 1935 and the founding of affiliate company Applewood Orchards. 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 more than 50 growers.