FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards

Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms has acquired Deerfield, Mich.-based Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers.

Working jointly, FirstFruits Farms and Applewood Orchards aim to provide their customers with even more remarkable and diverse product offerings, including apples, cherries and pears, according to a news release. The acquisition enhances the ability to serve customers in the Midwest and East Coast with certain freight advantages, supply chain efficiencies and transit time reductions, the companies said.

Terms of the deal were not released.

"We are excited to welcome Applewood Fresh and Applewood Orchards into the FirstFruits Farms family," Chuck Zeutenhorst, vice president of FirstFruits Marketing, said in the release. "This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier produce and service to our customers while embracing innovation and growth opportunities."

A highlights of the acquisition is the expanded offering of new club apple varieties, specific to Applewood Orchards, the release said. 

Aside from growing key retail varietals, Applewood Orchards also grows new varieties, such as Rave, SweeTango, Ambrosia and EverCrisp. 

The merger expands the opportunity and scope of both companies to serve their unique customer base, while also working together with the customers the two companies share coast to coast, the release said.

Applewood Orchards, operated by the Swindeman family, has built a strong reputation over the decades as a high-quality grower and packer in eastern Michigan; the company’s roots run deep in the state, dating back to 1935, the release said.

“Applewood Orchards has built a strong reputation for its dedication and passion to grow, pack, and deliver high-quality fresh apples,” Scott Swindeman, Applewood Fresh Growers managing partner, said in the release. “Our family’s commitment over the years to innovative growing methods, sustainability, and community aligns seamlessly with the values at FirstFruits Farms. This is a great match, which strengthens both companies.”

The acquisition also includes the Swindeman family’s partnership in Elite Packing, which is in Sparta, Mich.