The newly formed joint sales alliance Michigan Fresh Marketing and BelleHarvest has additional volume that solidly positions it as the second-largest Michigan apple sales organization for the 2019 apple season.
Elite Apple in Sparta, MI, has contractually committed to pack 500,000 cartons — which is estimated at roughly half its 2019 projected volume — to the joint sales group that was recently established in June.
According to Rich Kent, Elite Apple partner, “After having more than doubled our packing capacity, we’ve decided to add Michigan Fresh and BelleHarvest to our sales group.” Just in the last month, Elite has added a second packingline to its facility. With the additional packing capability, Elite Apple can meet retail demand and maintain an edge in the marketplace.
“In order to keep up with retail consolidation and industry changes, this allows us the versatility to pursue larger programs for sustained periods of time," said Elite partner Ken Hubert.
Michigan Fresh Marketing and BelleHarvest are projecting to sell over 3 million cartons in the upcoming season. The joint sales venture now covers eight packing facilities throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. “We are looking at a favorable apple crop in the Midwest and are excited to work with the exceptional team and partners at Elite," said Joe D’Ottavio, chief executive officer of Michigan Fresh.
