SPARTA, Mich. – April 24, 2023— Longtime Michigan produce marketers Bruce Heeren and Marilyn Heeren join the sales desk at the vertically-integrated produce marketer, Riveridge, located in Sparta, Michigan, this week.

 

“The Heeren name is synonymous with produce in West Michigan,” said Don Armock, president, Riveridge Produce Marketing. “Bruce and Marilyn represent what you look for when expanding a sales organization – established and authentic relationships with both the growers and the retailers. With their versatility, experience, and connections, we’re looking forward to getting them up and running.”

 

Bruce’s lineage includes multiple generations working in produce storage, packing and distribution. Initially, starting a career as a police officer out of college, Bruce was called to the siren song of produce, joining the family business, Heeren Brothers Produce in 1980. Bruce has also worked for various West Michigan produce marketers since, before joining Riveridge this week.

 

“We’ve worked with some growers 40 years and now their kids. We want them to know they have a long-time home with us, and we’re committed to continuing their success,” said Bruce. “By joining Riveridge, we will have an opportunity to mentor and teach others and we can feel good that our growers’ marketing future is secure.”

 

Raised on a blueberry farm, Marilyn also grew up with agricultural roots. She spent 32 years of her career at Greg Orchards in Benton Harbor before moving on to other apple marketers.

 

“Relationships and talking to people are key for this career,” said Marilyn. “We know our products and how best to sell them – communication is important throughout the entire chain from grower to packer to retailer.”

 

Bruce and Marilyn join at the beginning of 2023 growing season, leading to the 34th harvest for Riveridge Produce Marketing.

# # #

 

About Riveridge Produce Marketing

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