ELGIN, MN - In an industry where the market and consumer demands can turn on a dime, flexibility is essential. As a grower, packer, shipper, and developer of premium apples, Honeybear® Brands is anticipating changes and providing options to ensure the success of its retail partners.
“Apples are a hardware produce item; they almost always make it into the shopping basket,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “In this high inflation environment, there is a potential that consumers may trade down from higher-priced varieties to lower-priced varieties as they are more mindful of their dollars being spent. As an industry, we must be cognizant of the available dollars for produce purchases and act quickly to provide consumers what they need.”
With inflation still posing challenges for consumers as they hit the grocery aisles, Honeybear is offering a no-frills, all-the-flavor “Sweet Deal” option. According to a release, this means key varieties packed in varying bag sizes to provide shoppers with fresh value. The Sweet Deal offerings are custom-packed in sizes and specs that best meet retailers’ needs and can be delivered in a 600 lb tri-wall bin.
In addition to its Sweet Deal option, Honeybear is tapping its R&D team to develop and test new varieties, like popular Pazazz™. First introduced several years ago, it has since become a consumer favorite, as it is known for its bold, bright flavor and extended storage capability, which helps extend the retail season.
The supplier has also heard a lot of buzz about its new First Kiss variety. Developed by the University of Minnesota, Honeybear is using its expertise to commercialize it.
Another brand-new offering is shaking up the apple sector in the form of Honeybear’s Honeymoon™ variety. The yellow apple is bright and creamy and has mellow tropical flavor notes with a distinct nutty finish. It is currently in the beginning stages of introduction and is expected to become more widely available in the next few years.
Keep reading ANUK for the latest in fresh produce.
