By
January 22, 2021
It was more than three decades ago when Riveridge Produce Marketing was founded in Sparta, MI, by three partners Don Armock, Roger Geers and the late Dan Rock Sr. who shared a background in Michigan produce, and a vision for a different way of doing business.
Today, the vertically-integrated apple grower/packer/shipper/marketer represents about 50 percent of Michigan’s fresh apple crop and is leading the way in food safety, new orchard technology and innovation in sales and marketing.
“Winter apples are an important product for Riveridge because it is part of keeping Michigan apples available year-round,” said Trish Taylor, marketing manager for the company. “The category has evolved in that there really isn’t so much of a ‘winter’ apple anymore. With today’s storage techniques in controlled atmosphere rooms, we’re able to provide apples that eat like apples right from harvest. However, there are certain varieties that mellow a bit with