Emily Cox Talks FirstFruits Farms' Global Produce & Floral Show Showcase and Category Trends

YAKIMA, WA - FirstFruits Farms is bringing a diverse range of apple varieties and impressive pear and cherry programs into the spotlight ahead of the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show. As the industry prepares to touch down in Anaheim, California, this month, Emily Cox, Marketing Manager of FirstFruits Farms, took some time to explain what truly sets the supplier apart.

“This marks our second year exhibiting as a multi-regional company after FirstFruits Farms acquired Applewood Fresh in 2023. With orchards in both Washington and Michigan, we bring something unique to the industry, which is a supply solution that bridges two of North America’s premier growing regions under one umbrella,” Emily shares.

The combination of these two powerful fresh fruit operations has allowed the growers to strengthen their portfolio and supply chain capabilities.

“By uniting these two regions, FirstFruits provides a uniquely reliable supply chain, greater varietal diversity, and a stronger ability to tailor programs for our partners’ specific needs,” Emily says. “It’s this combination of quality fruit and multi-regional advantage that makes FirstFruits stand out.”

While mapping out the strengths of the FirstFruits Farms/Applewood Fresh united portfolio, Emily notes several trends pointing consumers to the apple, cherry, and pear sectors:

• Health and Wellness - Consumers are increasingly viewing fresh produce as a method of prevention, replacement, or addition to traditional medication in relation to health and wellness
• Transparency - Shoppers, especially younger generations, are seeking increased transparency in the products they purchase. EFI-certified operations like FirstFruits Farms allow retailers to cater to this key consumer demographic

To dive into the opportunities hitting the apple, cherry, and pear categories, stop by booth #1875 during the show!