APPLEWOOD GEARS UP FOR 2019 HARVEST SEASON

SPARTA, Mich. (July 9, 2019) — Applewood Fresh Growers LLC expects a production increase of 20 percent over last year for SweeTango®. As the lead marketer in the Midwest for the variety that comes from the Minnesota breeding program, Applewood Fresh promotes the marriage of the Honeycrisp and Zestar! varieties in SweeTango for its standout flavor and texture. SweeTango is expected to start in Michigan around September 3rd.

Applewood Fresh is the exclusive seller of the KIKU® and Kanzi® managed varieties in the Midwest. Increased volume of 50% percent 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,” says 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.