outlook 2021 conference program
TRANSCRIPT
usapple.orgThe Ritz-Carlton | Chicago#AppleOutlook21
Outlook 2021Conference ProgramThe Premier Event of the Year for the Apple Industry!
Thank You to Our Sponsors Welcome
Jim Bair President and CEO U.S. Apple Association
AgroFresh Bayer
Decco USFruitSmart, Inc.
GoGo Squeez by MaternePace International
Global Concentrate Inc.Keurig Dr PepperKeyes PackagingKnouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.Midwest Apple Improvement Assn
Moss Adams LLPNorth Bay ProduceStorage Control SystemsTree Top, Inc.Valent USA
A1 Mist SprayersAgro Research International LLCAtlas PacificFox PackagingIntercrate Container Corp
Metos USAProduce Pro SoftwareStiebsStorex CA (Canada) Inc.Summit Tree Sales
SUPPORTER
BRONZE
SILVER
GOLD Hello USApple members, friends and guests, and welcome to Outlook 2021!
When we say ‘We’re glad to see you’ … after the last 18 months, we’re REALLY glad to see you!
This is the 126th year of the apple industry coming together to renew friendships, learn, and discuss the critical issues that impact us all. We have assembled a top flight group of speakers that we know you will find insightful and maybe even challenging.
And because most of us haven’t seen each other in two years (it feels weird just writing that) we’ve built in extra networking time so you can catch up with your friends and peers.
Apple people are a forward-looking group. So, starting with Outlook 2021, let’s reflect, reconnect and start looking to the future.
Onward!
Conference Program 1
Conference Information 5
General Information 6
Hotel Floor Plan 7
Conference Schedule 8
Thursday, August 19 8
Friday, August 20 9
Speaker Bios 11
Sponsor Directory 17
USApple 2021 Board & Staff 33
2021 USApple Board of Directors 34
USApple Staff 35
Table ofContents
© 2020 AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. ™Trademark of AgroFresh Inc.
AgroFresh gets you ready for any season! With over 20 years of proof, AgroFresh has built a reputation as a global leader in near and post-harvest solutions. AgroFresh solutions are backed by world-class research, real-world success, robust data and unsurpassed service. Go with a trusted leader.
• Innovation and expanded portfolio you can count on
• Our SmartFresh™ Quality System sets the standard
and continues to lead the way
• By combining the SmartFresh Quality System
with additional AgroFresh solutions, you can gain
synergistic benefits
• Optimize your operational efficiency
We grow confidence.
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SmartFresh is registered by the US EPA; Registration No. 71297-2. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency or your local AgroFresh account manager to determine what products are registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
agrofresh.comConference Program 3
#AppleOutlook2021
GrowingProduce.com
FROM THE EDITORS AND STAFF OF SPONSORED BY IN COOPERATION WITH
CONGRATULATIONS TOCONGRATULATIONS TO
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US Apple Ad 2021 - AFG.indd 1US Apple Ad 2021 - AFG.indd 1 7/12/21 9:06 AM7/12/21 9:06 AM
Conference Information
Conference Program 5
Hotel Floor PlanThe Ritz-Carlton ChicagoWater Tower Place160 E Pearson St.Chicago, Illinois 60611
12th FloorTHE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO
ENTIRE 12th FLOOR — FLOOR PLAN
OAK
LAKESIDE
ASTOR
GALLERY
LEVANTE
PROMENADE GRAND FOYER
BALLROOM
ST. C
LAIR
FO
YER
ST. CLAIR A
B
C A
A
B
C Salon
Ballroom
COAT CHECK
NEWBERRY
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win
dow
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AIRWALL
win
dow
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win
dow
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windows windows windows
windows windows
win
dow
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indo
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Rooftop at Torali (outside deck)
AIRWALL
AIRW
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AIRWALL
AIRW
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AIRW
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AIRWALL
THE RITZ-CARLTON BALLROOM
VENTOSO
windows
Torali Restaurant
Torali Bar
The Café
Guest Reception
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Guest Room Elevators
Business Center
USApple Industry Outlook 2021This annual compendium is the only source of current U.S. and international apple statistics. Data is collected and published by USApple. All conference attendees receive a complimentary copy with their registration materials.
USApple Industry Outlook 2021 Sponsored by:Agrofresh
Conference PresentationsPresentations will be available shortly after the Outlook 2021 Conference. Attendees will be able to download presentations from the USApple website at no additional fee. When you return from Chicago, you will receive an email with the website link.
Onsite Registration HoursThursday, August 19 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 20 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
MembershipNot a USApple member yet? For more information about becoming a member, please contact the Membership Department at [email protected] or 703-442-8850.
Name BadgePlease wear your name badge at all times as it allows you entrance into conference general sessions and events.
Consent to Use of Photographic Images, Audio, and VideoRegistration and attendance at, or participation in, USApple meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant for USApple’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audio tapes of such events and activities.
General Information
Conference Program 7Outlook 20216
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM | The Grand FoyerRegistration
8:00 AM - 11:45 AM | BallroomGeneral Session IISponsored by Pace International
USApple State of the Industry & Annual Business MeetingMike Preacher, Chair, USApple Board of Directors
Trade Policy Under the Biden Administration Michael Anderson, CAE, Vice President, Trade & Industry Affairs, Corn Refiners Association
Conservation Solutions on the OrchardBruce Knight, Principal and Founder, Strategic Conservation Solutions
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
ThursdayAugust 19th
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | The Grand FoyerRegistration Open
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMUSApplePAC Brunch Tom Bevan, Co-founder and Executive Editor, RealClearPolitics (Visit registration desk for details. Separate ticket is required.)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | BallroomMeet and Eat Lunch Catch up with fellow attendees before we officially kick off the conference.
12:30 PM - 4:45 PM | BallroomGeneral Session I Sponsored by DECCO US
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Leveraging Leading Metatrends to Reach Today’s Consumer Dr. Rachel Cheatham, Founder & CEO, Foodscape Group, LLC
Retail Apple Sales: Covid Performance and Beyond Steve Lutz, Senior VP/Insights and Innovation, Category Partners”
2:30 PM - 3:00 PMChat & Stretch BreakSponsored by Knouse Foods
Apple Grower of the Year Award American Fruit Grower
Industry Outlook & Global Crop ReportChris Gerlach, Director of IndustryAnalytics, U.S. Apple Association
Advocacy UpdateDiane Kurrle, Sr. Vice President, U.S. Apple Association
Communications 101: An Effective Toolkit for MembersAngela Sommers, USApple Communications Committee Chair, BelleHarvest Sales Inc.
Apple Person of the Year Award The Packer
4:45 PM - 5:15 PMU.S. Regional Apple Crop Discussions & Regional Director Elections Eastern Regional Discussion Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia Midwest Regional Discussion Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin Western Regional Discussion Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington
5:45 pm - 7:00 pm | The Grand FoyerGood Times Reception (dinner on your own)
Sponsored by Midwest Apple Improvement Assn
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
FridayAugust 20th
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | The Grand FoyerChat & Stretch BreakSponsored by Valent USA
Will Additional Drought In North America In 2022 Threaten Apple Production?Drew Lerner, Senior Agricultural Meteorologist, Founder & President, World Weather, Inc
USApple Forecast & Industry InsightsChris Gerlach, Director of Industry Analytics, U.S. Apple Association
11:45 AMAdjournment
Conference Program 9Outlook 20218
SpeakerBios#AppleOutlook2021
Trust the Bayer Apple Portfolio
For more information, visit www.CropScience.Bayer.us.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are registered in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local dealer or representative for the product registration status in your state. Alion®, Bayer, Luna Sensation®, Luna Tranquility®, Movento®, Sivanto® and Velum® are trademarks of Bayer Group. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2020 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.
Conference Program 11
Michael Anderson, CAEVice President, Trade & Industry AffairsCorn Refiners Association
Dr. RachelCheathamFounder & CEOFoodscape Group, LLC
Chris GerlachDirector, Industry AnalyticsU.S. Apple Association
Speaker Bios
Michael Anderson is Vice President, Trade & Industry Relations for the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), the trade association representing the corn milling industry. He has more than 25 years of experience in the international trade, agriculture, and economics in the government and private sector. At CRA he provides strategic and tactical leadership to CRA and its members regarding trade policy, transportation, and industry affairs. He leads and coordinates CRA’s Trade, Statistical Reporting, Transportation, and Co-products Committees and manages the associations statistical reporting program. Anderson serves on several industry coalitions, working groups, and committees including, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s International Policy Committee, National Association of Manufacturers Trade Steering Committee, and Agriculture Transportation Coalition. As a cleared advisor on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC), Anderson provides technical advice on agriculture trade issues to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and USTR Katherine Tai.
Prior to joining CRA, Anderson served at the U.S. International Trade Commission holding positions as an international economist, advisor to the Commissioner, supervisor, and executive director, working on industry competitiveness, trade remedy investigations, free trade agreements, and trade policy analysis for the U.S. Congress and the President. Previously he worked at the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office as an international economist supporting U.S. trade negotiations and policy positions at the World Trade Organization.
Anderson holds a master’s degree in international business from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah. He serves on the boards of Farmers for Free Trade and Farmers for Free Trade Educations Council. He is a Certified Association Executive.
Dr. Rachel Cheatham is Founder & CEO of Foodscape Group, LLC, a nutrition strategy consultancy based in Chicago, IL, USA. Serving as a navigation partner, Rachel helps companies and brands successfully conceptualize & position healthier foods and beverages in the global marketplace. Rachel holds a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry from Tufts University, where she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Food Marketing. She has been a TV producer, Director at the International Food Information Council, and Senior Vice President at the global PR firm Weber Shandwick. She is a Professional Member of the Institute of Food Technologists and a member of both the American Society of Nutrition and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is active on LinkedIn as well as blogging at Foodscape Finds.
Chris Gerlach’s’ portfolio at USApple draws on his strong analytic and research experience to generate state-specific data on farmgate value of the apple crop and downstream jobs and economic activity; analyze and report industry analytics to support USApple policies and lobbying activities; prepare Market News, USApple’s premiere monthly storage report of apple inventory; and provide market intelligence on apple varieties, availability and market conditions to assist the Agriculture Department in making government purchases for school and military programs.
Prior to joining USApple, Chris directed research at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). In this role he was responsible for generating original research on the economic and social contributions of the $6.7 trillion retail real estate industry. Prior to joining ICSC, Gerlach worked as a consultant utilizing sophisticated economic impact models to assist public-sector entities achieve long-term strategic development goals. He began his career as an analyst with the CoStar Group, Inc., a leading provider of commercial real estate information and analytics.
Chris holds a Master of Regional Planning degree from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business.
Conference Program 13Outlook 202112
Diane Kurrle oversees USApple’s work with federal lawmakers and regulators in Washington, D.C. She is responsible for educating members of the House and Senate and federal agencies on the important issues facing the domestic apple industry and how the decisions made on Capitol Hill will impact growers, shippers and processors. Diane is active in a number of coalitions working on the industry’s priority issues. She also manages the USApple PAC, the association’s political action committee.
Before joining USApple in 2004, Diane served as the director of international programs for the American Peanut Council. She previously served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a political appointee during the Clinton Administration where she worked on food safety policy issues. Diane began working for Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) as a legislative staff member for the Senate Agriculture Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from the University of Vermont.
Diane KurrleSenior Vice PresidentU.S. Apple Association
Steve LutzSenior Vice President — Insights & InnovationCategory Partners
Speaker Bios
Steve Lutz’s entire career has been built on providing ideas and solutions for organizations to grow their businesses.
Over his career, Steve has had the opportunity to work across the entire supply chain from growers to retailers and ultimately, with consumers. Steve’s brand clients have included companies spanning a vast variety of foods found in a supermarket.
Before joining Category Partners, Steve was chief strategist and vice president of marketing for CMI Orchards, a premier Washington state tree fruit grower, packer, and shipper. Steve and the CMI team grew Daisy Girl Organics to the #1 selling organic apple and pear brand in the U.S. Prior to joining CMI Orchards Steve was one of the three founding partners and Executive Vice President of Perishables Group, a Chicago-based category data and market research firm. He co-led the firm for 14 years before successfully selling the firm to Nielsen to form the new entity, Nielsen Perishables Group. Before that, Steve served as President and CEO of the Washington Apple Commission, at the time the largest fresh fruit promotional organization in the United States.
Steve has served on the board of directors of the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh. He was past chair and a long-time member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University. He was named “Apple Person of the Year” by The Packer/Vance Publishing in 2000.
Steve and his wife Jan have been married for 39 years and have three grown sons.
Bruce Knight is a nationally recognized expert on conservation, agriculture and the environment. As Principal and Founder of Strategic Conservation Solutions, LLC, a consultancy focused on conservation and sustainability issues related to agriculture, Bruce delivers common sense strategies, advice and direction to move clients forward in this space. He provides a unique perspective on the future of conservation policies, drawing on his experience as a former association executive, lobbyist, regulator, Capitol Hill staffer, and a third-generation South Dakota rancher and farmer.
Previously, Bruce served in the George W. Bush Administration as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2006-2009. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the lead USDA agency for conservation on private working agricultural lands. Under his leadership, Bruce provided the strategic vision for the development, implementation, and management of the largest expansion of working lands conservation programs in the agency’s history.
Bruce I. KnightPrincipal and FounderStrategic Conservation Solutions, LLC
Conference Program 15Outlook 202114
Angie SommersUSApple Communications Committee ChairBelleHarvest Sales, Inc.
Angela Sommers is the Director of Marketing at BelleHarvest Sales, Inc, a fresh apple supplier in Belding, MI. She leads the marketing efforts for the sales organization which includes developing campaigns for new varieties, category planning, and packaging initiatives for retailers. While at BelleHarvest, she has led the company towards sustainability, specifically when it comes to their packaging. During her time at BelleHarvest, Sommers has stayed active within the industry; currently serving on the board for Michigan Pomesters and chair of the communications committee within USApple. Sommers received her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. She lives in West Michigan with her husband and two kids.
#AppleOutlook2021
SponsorDirectory
Drew LernerSenior Agricultural MeteorologistWorld Weather, Inc
Drew Lerner is President and Senior Agricultural Meteorologist of World Weather, Inc. Drew has been forecasting international weather for 42 years. He began his meteorology career in 1978 as he participated in an international effort to collect data and improve weather forecasting for the Asian Monsoon. Since then, Drew has been supporting the agricultural industry by providing detailed short and long range weather predictions for each major crop area in the world. His daily assessments of crop and weather expectations supports commodity market trade and helps many companies make better agricultural business decisions. Drew started World Weather, Inc. in 2001 after leading Global Weather Services in the late 1990s. World Weather, Inc. is based in the Kansas City area and supports an expanding group of clientele residing in North and South America, India, Europe, Africa and Australia.
Speaker Bios
Conference Program 17Outlook 202116
SponsorDirectory
AgroFresh (Nasdaq: AGFS) is an AgTech innovator and global leader with a mission to prevent food loss/waste and conserve the planet’s resources by providing a range of science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies and high-touch customer services. AgroFresh supports growers, packers and retailers with solutions across the food supply chain to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The AgroFresh organization has 40 years of post-harvest experience across a broad range of crops, including revolutionizing the apple industry with the SmartFresh™ Quality System for more than 20 years. This is powered by a comprehensive portfolio that includes plant-based coatings, equipment and proprietary solutions that help improve the freshness supply chain from harvest to the home.
Apple solutions by AgroFresh include but are not limited to Harvista™, SmartFresh™ Quality System, AgroFresh Verified™, Teycer™ Originals, ActiSeal™, ActiMist™, Control-Tec™, and the digital solutions FreshCloud™. Visit agrofresh.com to learn more.
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2020, the Group employed around 100,000 people worldwide and had sales of $41.4 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to $2.1 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
Paul Nelson, Commercial Director NAR509-860-2400pnelson@@agrofresh.comagrofresh.com
Dr. Frank Wong, Industry Affairs [email protected] cropscience.bayer.com
AgroFresh Bayer
Outlook 202118 Conference Program 19
SponsorDirectory
Since 1934, growers and packers around the world have trusted DECCO US Post-Harvest, Inc. with the fruits of their labor. DECCO coatings, cleaners, sanitizers, fungicides and storage treatments for apples and other fruits and vegetables help growers and packers realize the highest value from their products.We pioneered postharvest protection products, and continue to this day as a global leader for the postharvest industry. Nobody has more experience in the industry. That’s one reason why growers andpackers count on DECCO US Post-Harvest, Inc. every year to protect billions of pieces of citrus, pome fruit, stone fruits and vegetables.
Tim Mowry, Business [email protected]
Decco U.S. Post-Harvest, Inc.
For more than 70 years, Atlas Pacific has been the world leader of deciduous fruit processing equipment. We offer the industry a range of machinery that enables our customers to produce the highest quality product while achieving unmatched operating efficiencies and yield savings.
The Atlas Pacific team is dedicated to superior customer service that provides on-the-ground process and operating expertise. We have a global staff of experienced service and sales professionals who can assist in process optimization and consulting, equipment and maintenance, and full-scale support for all seasonal or year-round spare parts requirements.
Josh Norwood, Director of Sales & [email protected] atlaspacific.com
Atlas Pacific Engineering Company
For more than 40 years, A1 Mist Sprayers has been the leading manufacturer of gas engine and PTO driven mist sprayers in North America. With the use of a high velocity air stream, A1 Mist Sprayers has been committed to thoroughly cover and protect crops such as apple trees, while distributing chemicals with a fine mist. Most importantly, A1 Mist Sprayers has established a reduction in chemical up to 60 percent and water use up to 90 percent. Simply, you will receive a more effective way of spraying that saves you both time and money – that’s an A1 promise.
Agro Research International is a manufacturer of bactericides, fungicides and insecticides derived from essential oils for conventional and organic use; and also manufactures biological soil amendments. It has a complete line of crop protection products well suited for organic production. The company currently sells its product line in North, Central and South America.
Andrew Montan, Marketing Manager800-864-1649 ext [email protected] | cometpump.com
Dominique Depaz, Product Research Manager352-455-3908domdepaz@agroresearchinternational.comagroresearchinternational.com
A1 Mist Sprayers
Agro Research International
Outlook 202120 Conference Program 21
SponsorDirectory
Global Concentrate is a food supplier and producer company since 2013. We have quite a range of product line including, but not limited to, bulk and retail packed juice, frozen/dried fruits and raw/roasted seeds. Our company services clients in North and South America through a worldwide supply chain, countrywide storage and localized delivery services with multiple locations across the U.S. We offer our clients domestic warehouse programs including door to door deliveries to avoid lead times and custom clearances from overseas supply chains. Global Concentrate only sources premium and certified food products for the companies in food business.
Ali Erten, Sales [email protected]
Global Concentrate Inc.
GoGo squeeZ’s® mission is to make it easier for kids and families to be healthier and happier. Since 1998, the brand has been the leading squeezable pouch crafted with the highest quality ingredients from nature. GoGo squeeZ® makes on-the-go snacking nutritious and delicious with high-quality products to provide wholesome goodness for enjoying wherever life takes you. With over 30 varieties of fruit, fruit & veggies, yogurt, smoothie, and pudding pouches, GoGo squeeZ® is a nutritious snack that empowers kids to be their best.
John Halverson, Purchasing Category Manager - [email protected]
Materne North America / GoGo squeeZ
FruitSmart is a Washington State fruit processor offering fruit juices, purees, concentrates, essences, fiber,seeds and seed oil. FruitSmart also offers custom blending and toll processing. Apple products include ColdPressed, Not From Concentrate (NFC) Apple Juice, as well as, Apple Puree, Apple Concentrate, Apple Essenceand Apple Fiber. All apple products are offered as conventional and organic. Visit us at www.fruitsmart.com.
Luca Da Ponte, Vice President of [email protected] | cifiingredients.com
FruitSmart, Inc.
Fox Packaging is a family-owned and operated industry leader in developing and distributing unique flexible packaging solutions for fresh produce packers and shippers throughout North America and Latin America.
Fox Packaging has spent the last five decades pioneering one-of-a-kind bag options that reduce product damage, showcase the natural beauty of the product and provide a beautiful foundation for branding and artwork. Fox Packaging focuses on innovative and sustainable packaging, with a drive toward mindfully protecting fresh produce, communities, and the environment.
Victoria Lopez, Marketing [email protected]
Fox Packaging
Outlook 202122 Conference Program 23
SponsorDirectory
The Original Green Company™, Keyes Packaging Group has been running a sustainable green business for decades and continues to maintain a commitment to responsible food and beverage packaging innovation made from recycled materials. Keyes Packaging produces environmentally friendly products for the packaging and shipping of apples, avocados, eggs and wine bottles. The Keyes manufacturing facility, located in the heart of North America’s apple & pear growing regions, is the largest molded fiber plant on the West Coast. Keyes core business is serving North America’s apple and pear industries. Keyes trays are designed to protect growers’ most precious assets and have proven their cushioning properties for decades. Our trays are the nocompromise choice for strength and sustainability. For more information about Keyes Packaging, please visit keyespackaging.com
Suzanne Wolter, VP Sales & Marketing509-663-8537swolter@keyespackaging.comkeyespackaging.com
Keyes Packaging
From a small beginning in April 1949, Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc. was created when a group of prominent fruit growers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, feeling the need for more efficient marketing methods for their apples, joined forces to form a grower owned cooperative let by M.E. Knouse.
Knouse Foods Cooperative is owned by more than 100 fruit growers throughout the Appalachian region. Many of these growers are fifth, sixth or seventh generation producing fruit of exceptional quality and taste. The growers provide a reliable source of high quality fruit. Through their cooperative structure, the growers have benefited both as producers and as owners of the processing company.
Knouse Foods is best known to the buying public under its brand names: Lucky Leaf, Musselman’s, Apple Time, Lincoln, and Speas Farm. These brands are loved throughout the nation and found on more than 400 products including: apple sauce, apple slices, pie fillings, fruit juices, apple butter, and vinegar. Knouse also processes fruit for nearly every top-selling private brand and commercial food service group.
David Cox, Jr., Director of Raw [email protected]
Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
InterCrate is a family owned company focused on constructing rigid and collapsible containers for fresh produce and food industries. With production in North America we supply plastic containers for farmers and distributors ranging from small delicate berries to leafy greens to shell fish and tropical fruit.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading coffee and beverage company in North America, with annual revenue in excess of $11 billion. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks, applesauce, mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. The Company maintains an unrivaled distribution system that enables its portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands to be available nearly everywhere people shop and consume beverages. With a wide range of hot and cold beverages that meet virtually any consumer need, KDP key brands include Keurig®, Dr Pepper®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters®, Canada Dry®, Snapple®, Bai®, Mott’s® and The Original Donut Shop®. The Company employs more than 25,000 employees and operates more than 120 offices, manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers across North America.
Brady [email protected]
Bill Abdo, Apple [email protected]
Intercrate Container Corp
Keurig Dr Pepper
Outlook 202124 Conference Program 25
SponsorDirectory
Moss Adams has provided industry-focused accounting and consulting services to members of the apple industry for more than 40 years, advising all areas of the supply chain—from grower through packinghouse, marketing, distributing, processing, and even retail. As the impacts of COVID-19 continue, Moss Adams is helping companies nationwide navigate change the way we always do: bringing West to business. More than a location, it’s an ethos for business driven by innovative solutions, engaged collaboration, and forward-looking strategies. Through our involvement with organizations like USApple, we’re committed to delivering strategies that can help support your workforce, reduce risk, improve cash flow, and rethink operations—so you can keep your business moving forward and even create future opportunity. In today’s environment, business must stay nimble through staying up-to-date on the latest information surrounding new technologies, labor and workforce changes, and management considerations. Additionally, by gaining insight into key financial, legislative, and international complexities, your company can stay resilient and pursue new ideas with confidence.
Randy Fenich, [email protected]
Moss Adams LLP
North Bay Produce, Inc. is an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative, headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. The company’s 29 stock holders are located in the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.
North Bay Produce, Inc. markets its produce to retailers, wholesalers, and food service distributors throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Our consistent quality and service has enabled us to partner with some of the strongest customers in each market segment throughout each of these regions. We are consistently exploring new and developing markets to continue to expand our reach in the global market.
North Bay Produce, Inc.
You cannot control the weather. But you can control how you respond to it.
Agriculture is without a doubt one of the most weather-depended industry sectors. Therefore having accurate, precise and reliable weather data is crucial for successful crop management and production. Planting, harvesting, spraying, irrigation? With METOS solutions you will always know which step to take next.
MAIA is an organization that was founded by growers and is maintained by growers to produce apple varieties that are available to all U.S. and Canadian growers. Work continues to incorporate disease resistance and other favorable characteristics. Hard cider selections that can be produced in today’s high density growing systems are also in the testing stage.
Derek [email protected]
Bill Dodd, [email protected]
Metos USA
Midwest Apple Improvement Association
Outlook 202126 Conference Program 27
SponsorDirectory
Stiebs is a multi-divisional California processor and importer of industrial juices, concentrates, purees, and frozen items. In addition to our broad portfolio of Industrial Ingredients Stiebs Foodservice division markets frozen fruit cubes as well as branded Especial Fruits Acai and smoothie products. Stiebs Retail division offers frozen herb cubes as well as private label Acai products and bagged smoothies. Stiebs leverages its history of cutting edge on trend ingredients into delivery systems that fit todays needs for consumer product manufacturers, foodservice and retail customers. From the beginning stages of product development to delivering an on-going supply of premium natural products, our team is here to help you succeed.
Brian Nova, Director of Sales & [email protected]
Stiebs
Storage Control Systems, Inc./Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of atmosphere modifying and monitoring equipment. Established in 1982, the company has proven to be a leader in the United States and United Kingdom for PSA Nitrogen Generators, Gas Analyzers and Controllers, and Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers. An airtight room is essential for proper controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables, especially with the recent recommendations for ultra-low oxygen environments. Our patented SafePod™ is leading the way to the next generation of ultra-low oxygen or dynamic controlled atmospheres (DCA), using your own fruit to dictate the optimal regime for each room, each year.
Storage Control Systems, Inc. is also an authorized USA manufacturer of Salco Industrial doors, a company from the Netherlands which specializes in the manufacture of insulated refrigerator/freezer and gastight doors. Our factory in Sparta, MI uses the profiles from Salco to manufacture custom sizes to order at short lead times.
SCS has a team of qualified staff providing turnkey building solutions, utilizing our Kilowatch control systems for energy management, and Insulated Metal Panels with highly-specialized gastight sealing methods. Whether it be your next expansion, or if you are starting from scratch with flat ground, let the SCS team design your facility. We have full AutoCAD design services in-house which allow us to get the right floor plan and room sizes to fit your needs, and the catalog of solutions to make your facility the best it can be.
Jim Schaefer, [email protected]
Storage Control Systems
Embrace technology. Stay competitive. Deliver results.
Produce Pro Software is the leading all-in-one ERP software providing innovative business and technology solutions specifically designed for all business types within the produce and perishables industry. Since 1990, they have proudly supported all business types throughout the supply chain including: Growers, Packers, Shippers, Repackers, Processors, Wholesalers, Distributors, Foodservice and Terminal Markets.
Combining powerful, cutting edge software solutions while leveraging perishable food industry expertise and consulting services, Produce Pro can increase organizational efficiency, minimize waste and loss, reduce operating costs and provide real time data.
For more information, visit our tabletop exhibit, or go to producepro.com.
Pace collaborates with growers, packers, and agricultural organizations to develop innovative solutions to enhance, protect, and preserve fruit and vegetable quality. Pace is the leading provider of sustainable postharvest solutions and technologies, equipment and technical services that maximize efficiencies in packing operations and increase the value of crops being processed. Pace International, LLC is a subsidiary of Valent BioSciences LLC, a Sumitomo Chemical Company.
Marc Hatfield, National Sales [email protected]
Charis Armer, Marketing [email protected]
Produce Pro Software
Pace International, LLC
Outlook 202128 Conference Program 29
Tree Top is a grower-owned fruit processing cooperative founded in 1960 with its headquarters in Selah, Washington located in the heart of apple country. The company gained recognition with its premium apple juice in its early years, but has since acquired additional companies and fruit expertise to position the company as a market leader in fruit processing. Tree Top owns and operates eight facilities throughout Washington, Oregon and California close to its growers’ farms and offers the widest array of fruit products and ingredients available.
Today, the company is the world’s largest producer of dried apple products and is the primary supplier to the U.S. market, providing ingredients to most of the nation’s top food companies. In addition, Tree Top produces and markets consumer packaged goods and fresh sliced apples to the foodservice industry and consumer retail markets.
Cris Hales, Vice President, Fruit Procurement & Grower [email protected]
Tree Top Inc.
Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent products include a well-known line of quality herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, soil and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent is a leader in marketing and sales of both traditional chemical products as well as sustainable, biological and organic solutions. For more information about Valent or our full product line, please call 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) or visit www.valent.com/apples.
Jeff Smith, Manager, Industry [email protected]
Valent U.S.A. LLCFounded by renowned horticulturalist Wallace Heuser in 1990, Summit Tree Sales, Inc. has been serving the fruit industry for many decades.
Summit Tree Sales, Inc. provides growers with easy access to the inventories of the finest fruit tree nurseries in the country and assists growers in managing orders from multiple nurseries and future crop years.
Summit Tree Sales, Inc. offers a wide range of nursery products including finished trees, bench grafts, sleeping eyes, spring buds, rootstock, and Plastrips budding strips. Services are free to growers and prices are the same as when ordering directly with the nursery.
Storex delivers energy efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for the control of air molecules (O2, CO2, N2, ethylene, ethanol and other gases) for a variety of applications including long term storage of fresh fruit & vegetables.
Dawn Melvin, PresidentMatthew Schuld, Vice [email protected]@summittreesales.comsummittreesales.com
Chris [email protected]
Summit Tree Sales
Storex CA (Canada) Inc.
SponsorDirectory
Outlook 202130 Conference Program 31
#AppleOutlook2021
USApple Board & Staff
THE ESSENTIAL RESOURCE
Good Fruit Grower produces the tree fruit and grape growing industry’s most respected editorial coverage, from deeply targeted technical articles and educational features to informative images, videos, graphics and charts.
The magazine and its accompanying website, goodfruit.com, are the industry’s leading resource for news and research. Our mission, since 1946, is to help growers thrive in a highly competitive global industry, and our magazine is the most comprehensive educational resource, covering the growing, packing and marketing of tree fruit (apples, cherries, pears and stone fruit) as well as wine and juice grapes and blueberries.
Outlook 202132 Conference Program 33
2021 USApple Board of Directors
USApple Staff
OFFICERSMike Preacher, ChairDomex Superfresh GrowersYakima, WA
Chris Alpers, Vice ChairRedPath OrchardsLake Leelanau, MI
Brenda Briggs, SecretaryRice Fruit CompanyGardners, PA
Craig Hinkle, TreasurerKnouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.Peach Glen, PA
Jeff Colombini, Past ChairLodi Farming Inc.Stockton, CA
DIRECTORSAlisha Albinder Hudson River Fruit DistributorsMilton, NY
Brett BakerUnited Apple Sales LLCLyndonville, NY
Steve ClementSage Fruit CompanyYakima, WA Mike Dietrich Leo Dietrich & SonsConklin, MI
Brian Focht The Marketing AssociationsWenatchee, WA
James Foreman Foreman FruitWenatchee, WA
Philip Glaize, III Glaize ApplesWinchester, VA
Robin Hansen Columbia Fruit Packers, Inc.Wenatchee, WA Cynthia Haskins New York Apple AssociationFishers, NY
Ryan Hess Hess Brothers Fruit Co.Lancaster, PA
Tom Hurson Tree Top, Inc.Salah, WA
Patrick Malloy Bear Mountain OrchardsAspers, PA
Bob Mast CMI OrchardsEast Wenatchee, WA
Daniel Rowley Cherry Hill FarmsHuston, ID
John Russell Lake Ontario Fruit, Inc.Albion, NY
Steve SmithWashington Fruit GrowersYakima, WA
Mark Stennes Chelan Fruit CooperativeChelan, WA
Elizabeth WittenbachWittenbach OrchardsBelding, MI
Jason Woodworth Fish Creek OrchardsWaterport, NY
Mark Youngquist Youngquist FarmsKent City, MI
STAFFJim BairPresident & [email protected]
Diane KurrleSenior Vice [email protected]
Jessa Allen, CAEVice President,Membership & [email protected]
Tracy GrondineVice President, [email protected]
Chris GerlachDirector, Industry [email protected]
Mark SeetinDirector, Regulatory& Industry [email protected]
CONTACTUSApple7600 Leesburg PikeSuite 400 EastFalls Church, VA 22043703.442.885
usapple.org
Outlook 202134 Conference Program 35
Notes
Pace International offers a complete line of sustainable postharvest solutions, services, and application equipment to protect and enhance the quality of produce and increase packer/shipper profitability.
paceint.com(800) 722-2476
A Sustainable World of Abundance
SustainabilityHarnessing collaboration, innovation & passion
Outlook 202136 Conference Program 37
7600 Leesburg PikeSuite 400 EastFalls Church, VA 22043703.442.8850
SavetheDate
usapple.org
August 18 - August 19, 2022The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, IL