Rice Fruit Company's Val Ramsburg Talks Back-to-School Availability

GARDNERS, PA - Back-to-school season is an ideal time to reintroduce families to the fresh eating experience of apples—and Rice Fruit Company is ready for the moment.

“Right now, with fresh crop apples coming in from the orchards with incredible quality and flavor, it’s the perfect time to capitalize on the variety options, health benefits, and simple sophistication of apples. Nutrient-dense with endless options, they’re perfectly suited for lunchboxes, after-school snack trays, fall baking, and seasonal displays,” Val Ramsburg, Sales and Marketing, shared. This is especially true as we get into September and October, when more varieties come off Rice Fruit’s trees. “Their crisp, sweet flavor keeps kids coming back for more, while their consistent quality makes them a reliable choice for retailers, foodservice operators, and budget-conscious family shoppers.”

Val further explained that Rice Fruit offers flexible pack styles, from bulk trays to consumer-friendly bags, allowing retailers to reach a broad range of shoppers and tailor merchandising strategies to their store formats.

“What sets apples apart from other produce is that there really is a flavor profile for every discerning taste. Love a burst of flavor and juice? Honeycrisp is your pick. Want a super-crunch with an effervescent sweet-tart flavor? Lemonade™ is here! Not sure if you’re going to be baking or snacking? Granny Smith or an Eastern Golden Delicious are perfect for both,” Val pointed out.

This year’s apple crop is coming in clean, flavorful, and plentiful, with strong supply in early-season favorites like Gala and Honeycrisp. Outstanding quality, ample sizing, and reliable availability are ready to help retailers easily build seasonal centerpieces in stores.

“Apples are an iconic flavor of fall and a top-of-mind purchase for parents seeking healthy, packable snacks. They deliver a strong nutritional value at an affordable price; attributes that resonate more than ever with budget-conscious families,” Val observed.

With some of the best products Rice Fruit has seen in recent years at the ready, Val shared that all the right factors are in place: clean finish, balanced sizing, and strong internal pressures that support flavor and shelf-life. For buyers, that means confidence in availability, program flexibility, and the ability to meet a variety of shopper needs.

“From value-driven family packs to premium fruit for eye-catching displays, there is high-quality fruit that will be consistently available, while retailers support local farm families,” Val concluded.

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