Collaboration with Long-Established Family Orchard Enhances Applewood’s Packing and Storage Capabilities
Applewood Fresh Growers, a prominent Michigan apple shipper and grower, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Umlor Orchards, Inc. This collaboration is set to significantly enhance Applewood’s operational capacity by 25%, a substantial increase attributed to the additional volume and packing capabilities provided by Umlor Orchards.
This partnership is a significant move for Applewood Fresh, as it solidifies their network within Michigan. The company already boasts ownership of Applewood Orchards in Deerfield and partnered ownership of Elite Apple Co. in Sparta.
Furthermore, they have established partnerships with New Era’s American Apple in New Era, Michigan Apple Packers in Sparta, and now Umlor Orchards in Conklin. According to a press release, the addition of Umlor Orchards is expected to support Applewood Fresh’s goal of growing their volume of quality Michigan apples and continuing to support family-run apple growers in the region.
Brian Coates, Vice President at Applewood Fresh, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “We are beyond thrilled to add Umlor Orchard to our Michigan Apple program this next 2024 season. Their addition aligns perfectly with our customer growth needs, as we aim to grow our volume of quality Michigan apples and continue to support family-grown Michigan apple growers.”
Umlor Orchards, operated by the Umlor family for over three generations since its establishment in 1958, is located in Conklin, Michigan. The family-run packer and grower is known for its deep roots in the Michigan apple industry. Vince Umlor, President of Umlor Orchards, highlighted the benefits of this new relationship, stating, “By forming this relationship with Applewood Fresh, we will improve our packing capabilities by continuing to add the latest technology in sorting and packing equipment. We believe Applewood Fresh can help us grow, not only in our apple community but in the marketplace as well to help achieve those goals.”
The partnership will leverage approximately 350+ acres of apple farms in the Conklin, Hart, and Shelby areas. These farms produce a variety of apples, including popular types such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Red Delicious. With the addition of Umlor Orchards, Applewood Fresh will not only increase its apple volume but also enhance its packing capacity and storage, utilizing 14 controlled-atmosphere rooms to maintain the quality of their produce.
This development follows Applewood Fresh’s recent acquisition by FirstFruits Farms, a Washington state-based company. This acquisition has integrated Applewood Fresh into a unique multi-regional apple supply system, providing new opportunities for growth and expansion. FirstFruits Farms, which has been operating for over 45 years, grows over 10 apple varieties on 10,000 acres in Eastern Washington and maintains a commitment to quality by growing, storing, and packing their fruit at the same location.
The collaboration between Applewood Fresh and Umlor Orchards, backed by the support of FirstFruits Farms, is poised to deliver enhanced value to their combined customer base. This partnership underscores Applewood Fresh’s dedication to delivering high-quality apples while supporting the growth of local, family-run orchards.
