FirstFruits Farms has successfully acquired Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers. Working jointly, FirstFruits Farms and Applewood Orchards aim to provide customers with more diverse product offerings including apples, cherries and pears. This collaboration not only bolsters volume capabilities but also enhances the ability to serve customers in the Midwest and East Coast with certain freight advantages, supply chain efficiencies and transit time reductions.
"We are excited to welcome Applewood Fresh and Applewood Orchards into the FirstFruits Farms family," said Chuck Zeutenhorst, vice president of FirstFruits Marketing. "This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier produce and service to our customers while embracing innovation and growth opportunities."
Working jointly, FirstFruits Farms and Applewood Orchards aim to provide customers with more diverse product offerings including apples, cherries and pears.
One highlight of this acquisition is the expanded offering of new club apple varieties specific to Applewood Orchards. Aside from growing key retail varietals, Applewood Orchards also grows new varieties, such as Rave, SweeTango®, Ambrosia and EverCrisp®.
This merger expands the opportunity and scope of both companies to serve their unique customer base, while also working together with the customers the two companies share coast to coast.
Applewood Orchards, operated by the Swindeman family, has built a reputation over the decades as a high-quality grower and packer in eastern Michigan. The company’s roots run deep in Michigan, dating back to 1935.
“Our family’s commitment over the years to innovative growing methods, sustainability and community aligns seamlessly with the values at FirstFruits Farms,” said Scott Swindeman, Applewood Fresh Growers. “This is a great match, which strengthens both companies.”
The acquisition also includes the Swindeman family’s partnership in Elite Packing, which is located in Sparta, Michigan.
For more information:
Emily Autrey
FirstFruits Farms
[email protected]
www.FirstFruits.com