Global Produce & Floral Show: Apples
At the Global Produce & Floral Show, apple suppliers are showcasing fresh varieties, new formats and shopper-focused innovations designed to bring more excitement and value to the produce aisle.
Honeybear Brands has participated for more than two decades in the Global Produce & Floral Show. The show provides Honeybear Brands with a valuable platform to feature its latest apple varieties and initiatives. Equally important, it offers the brand the chance to listen—gaining firsthand insights from retailers. “It continues to be one of the most important events on our calendar,” shared Chuck Sinks, President of Sales and Marketing. “There is simply no substitute for being face-to-face with our retail partners, customers and industry colleagues. The show gives us an opportunity to showcase our newest varieties and programs, but just as importantly, it allows us to listen. We get a firsthand perspective on what retailers are seeing in their stores, what consumers are responding to and where the next opportunities exist. For a company like Honeybear, which is focused on innovation, differentiation and building long-term retail partnerships, those conversations are incredibly valuable.”
“The event is invaluable because it brings together key industry stakeholders in one place, creating opportunities to strengthen relationships, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that drive category growth and consumer engagement throughout the year,” said Auna Lundberg, Sr. Marketing Manager for Stemilt Growers, which has participated in the show for 35 years.
“Superfresh Growers has participated in The Global Produce & Floral Show for over 40 years, and it continues to be one of the most valuable opportunities to connect with the produce industry in one place,” said Marketing Coordinator Julieta Castillo. “Bringing together retail partners, industry colleagues, growers, and other leaders gives us the opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, learn what is working across the industry, and have meaningful conversations about the year ahead. It is also an important opportunity for Superfresh Growers to showcase what we have been working on, including our organic Orchard Buddies program, new marketing initiatives, and innovations across our growing and packing operations. There is tremendous value in having those conversations face-to-face, especially as we work alongside our retail partners to identify opportunities, plan future programs, and ultimately find ways to grow the produce category together.”
“Our primary goal is to have meaningful conversations with retailers about how we can help them grow the apple category and create excitement at shelf,” Sinks remarked. “We want attendees to walk away with ideas—not just delicious samples. That’s why our booth is designed around engagement, innovation and discovery. The Produce Superhero experience gives attendees a reason to stop, participate and share, while our team will be there to talk about the varieties, packaging, merchandising and marketing programs that can turn that engagement into retail sales. Ultimately, we want Honeybear to be viewed not simply as a supplier, but as a marketing and category partner that brings ideas and solutions to the table.”
For Stemilt, it’s a priority to “connect face-to-face with customers and industry partners, strengthening relationships while discussing new opportunities to grow the apple and pear categories,” said Lundberg. “The show gives us a valuable platform to share insights, showcase innovative programs, and collaborate on merchandising and promotional strategies that resonate with today’s consumers. We’re also bringing back a Stemilt tradition: our resident magician, David. His unique blend of entertainment and storytelling has made him a longtime show favorite and a memorable way for visitors to learn about our products and programs.”
Superfresh Growers aims to “make the most of having so many of our retail partners and industry colleagues together in one place,” Castillo shared. “The Global Produce & Floral Show gives us an opportunity to strengthen those relationships and have meaningful conversations about the year ahead, share ideas and resources, and drive growth across our commodities. We want our booth to be more than a place to see great fruit. This year, attendees will get a closer look at how Superfresh Growers is connecting our products with today’s consumers, from the continued evolution of Orchard Buddies into new areas of the produce department to a first look at our upcoming fiber focus campaign, which we hope to partner with retailers on.”
From premium varieties to snack-sized treats, exhibitors are showing how apples can continue to deliver the taste, convenience and value today’s consumers are looking for.
