Harvest Starts in Early May

SPARTA, Mich.- March 29, 2016 – Riveridge Produce Marketing is a vertically-integrated apple grower, packer, marketer and the largest shipper of Michigan apples.  For more than 25 years, Riveridge has been committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, this year expanding to market and sell a large volume of fresh Michigan-grown asparagus.

Asparagus, like apples, is a crop that does very well in Michigan thanks to the climate provided in part by the proximity to Lake Michigan. Michigan is the second largest grower of Asparagus in the U.S. keeping more than 120 family farms active in the commercial growing of asparagus.

Michigan asparagus stands out for the way it’s harvested. Each spear is snapped by hand so that the vegetable is fully edible – no need to trim large end pieces. Riveridge plans to use that message through marketing support in radio ads and billboards in select markets and media and blogger outreach. Additionally, Riveridge is refreshing packaging and creating new approaches to make the asparagus purchase and cooking even easier for the end consumer.

“We have always marketed other produce throughout the year outside of apples, but this year, along with our partner packer, are committing more focus and resources to Michigan asparagus sales,” said Don Armock, president, Riveridge Produce Marketing. “Michigan-grown asparagus kicks off the bounty of produce Michigan offers and we look forward to the opportunity to expand its footprint.”

Michigan-grown asparagus, depending on variables such as weather, will begin to hit produce departments in early May through June. Images, recipes and nutritional information will be available to help promote the benefits to make sure consumers are getting their Michigan-grown asparagus in that short six to seven week window.

 

 

About Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc.

Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. is a vertically-integrated apple grower/packer/shipper/marketer headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, a unique growing region in West Michigan in part due to the elevation, proximity to Lake Michigan and ideal soil conditions. The company represents one-third of Michigan’s fresh apple crop and is leading the way in food safety, new orchard technology and innovation in sales and marketing.

 

 

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