Applewood Fresh Growers, a leading Michigan apple shipper/grower, announced today a new partnership with Umlor Orchards, Inc. As a valuable part of their Michigan network, Applewood’s partnership with Umlor boosts volume and packing capability by 25%.

Taken Together, Applewood’s reach encompasses:

• Ownership of Applewood Orchards (Deerfield, MI)
• Partnered Ownership of Elite Apple Co. (Sparta, MI)
• Partnerships with New Era’s American Apple (New Era, MI) ; Michigan Apple Packers (Sparta, MI) ; Umlor Orchards (Conklin, MI)

“We are beyond thrilled to add Umlor Orchard to our Michigan Apple program this next 2024 season,” states Brian Coates, VP at Applewood Fresh. “Their addition aligns perfectly with our customer growth needs, as we aim to grow our volume of quality Michigan apples and continue to support family grown Michigan apple growers.”

Umlor Orchards, Inc. operated by the Umlor Family for over three generations is a family-run packer and grower located in Conklin, Michigan. The company’s roots run deep in Michigan, dating back to 1958.

“By forming this relationship with Applewood Fresh, we will improve our packing capabilities by continuing to add the latest technology in sorting and packing equipment.” says Vince Umlor, President of Umlor Orchards. “We believe Applewood Fresh can help us grow, not only in our apple community, but in the marketplace as well to help achieve those goals.”

This partnership includes fruit from farms in Conklin, Hart, and Shelby areas, consisting of around 350+ acres of apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, and others. Alongside the increased volume of apples, Applewood is enhanced with an additional packing capacity and storage of apples, utilizing 14 controlled-atmosphere rooms.

Since Applewood was recently acquired by FirstFruits Farms in Washington state, it is now part of a unique multi-regional apple supply system. Together Applewood Fresh and FirstFruits Farms offer advantageous opportunities for growth to their combined customer base.