YAKIMA, WA - Before I know it, I’ll be packing my bags and heading to Orlando, Florida, to soak up the industry networking I’ve missed for the last two years. To prepare myself for the whirlwind of innovations, booths, and fresh faces that will be the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure, I reached out to some industry friends. One such friend is Catherine Gipe-Stewart, who clued me in on what Superfresh Growers® will be highlighting at the show.
“Alongside teasing the 2022 cherry and blueberry seasons, we’ll be showcasing our year-long domestic apple and pear programs,” Catherine, the grower’s Communications Manager noted. “Our proprietary varieties are always a draw, as we offer Cosmic Crisp®, Autumn Glory®, and Sunrise Magic®—our newest variety that boasts a pink and orange ‘sunrise’ coloring that has a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.”
The company will also be highlighting its Superfresh Organics® line, with organic pears going into the spring and organic apples offered year-round.
“Organic Pink Lady and Organic Granny Smith are two varieties we especially want to focus on for promotions this spring. Pink Lady’s sunny logo is ideal for spring advertising and marketing,” Catherine remarked.
In addition to the above, Superfresh Growers will go into greater detail regarding its cherry and blueberry seasons—as Catherine already hinted.
“We have orchards spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, which leads to a steady supply all season long,” Catherine explained. “Super Cherry® is our branded cherry program, boasting the largest cherries on the tree! This is a great program to add specialty offerings, capturing the affordable luxury of cherries.”
The Superfresh blueberry season is another focus as we look down the road to summer. With 700 acres of the berry grown in the Umpqua River Valley in Oregon, Superfresh Growers’ blueberry fields have a multi-generational legacy spanning nearly fifty years.
“The mild, dry climate is ideal for producing delicious, large, high-quality blueberries over a long season. We have a great little microclimate with winters and summers that are milder than our northern neighbors in the Willamette Valley. We typically start 7–10 days earlier than the Willamette Valley, depending on the year,” Catherine continued. “Our whole company looks forward every year to the arrival of our hand-picked blueberries and kiwi berries!”
For over 150 years, the Superfresh Growers family has been cultivating fresh fruit in the Pacific Northwest. With its strong focus on conservation and sustainability, the intention is to keep farming for generations to come.
Be sure to stop by booth #1011 to see the team and hear more for yourself!
