Jan 8, 2019

Riveridge Produce adds Jack Brown Produce’s marketing

Michigan apple growers will be in position to gain additional markets and supply increasing customer consolidations with the blending of the sales divisions of Riveridge Produce Marketing and Jack Brown Produce. The pairing will market and ship 50 percent of the fresh Michigan apple crop, according to a news release from Riveridge.

Together these organizations will offer Michigan apple growers access to larger distribution channels and increased market share. The Jack Brown Produce packing operation adds to the seven Michigan facilities packing for Riveridge Produce today, providing an opportunity for growers to be paired with the right customer to their fruit — from variety to size to pack.

“Both Jack Brown Produce and Riveridge Produce have complimentary grower communities making this union a natural fit,” said John Schaefer, president, Jack Brown Produce. “We each have modern packing plants and growers invested in the future, utilizing the latest growing techniques and moving forward onthe varieties and strains for today’s consumer preferences.”

With increased volume and more consistent Michigan fruit availability, the expanded marketing operation will create a true Michigan standard for apples and apple products. In addition to a larger base of customers and access to additional distribution centers at established customers, growers will also benefit from an expanded team of quality control, food safety and field staff to help with their fruit growing needs.

“With two strong, forward-thinking bases of growers, continued investments in new production and a consumer-driven varietal mix, we look to solidify our role as Michigan’s fruit specialists,” said Don Armock, President, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. “This is an opportunity to continue to share knowledge across our grower base and marry producers and customers based on their needs.” 

Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. is a vertically-integrated apple grower/packer/shipper/marketer headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, a unique growing region in West Michigan due in part to the elevation, proximity to Lake Michigan and ideal soil conditions.

The company represents one half of Michigan’s fresh apple crop and is leading the way in food safety, new orchard technology and innovation in sales and marketing. In 2017, Riveridge expanded into cider with its own facility.

Riveridge Cider Co., pressing and bottling fresh apple cider in blends, varietals and seasonal flavors. Additionally, Riveridge markets fresh apples for Sunrise Orchards located in Gays Mills, Wisconsin.