Nick Mascari's guest appearances

Nick Mascari

The Produce Moms Podcast

The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Stefanie Katzman

Mollie Van Lieu

Shay Myers

Lori Castillo

Jeff Watkin

Lori Taylor

Sarah Frey

Patrick Kelly

Mike O'Brien

Beth Miller

Greg White

Corteva Agriscience

Jennifer Wiese

Megan McKenna

LIsa Helfman

OwlTail

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kelly we chat with Nick Mascari, President of Belle Harvest based in Michigan. As a business built on generations of growers, Belle Harvest strives to maximize value for our retail partners, growers, and consumers. Every apple receives special care and attention from the field all the way to the shelf, to ensure delivery of the highest quality products our partners have come to expect and flavors our consumers crave. Nick and Patrick chat about meeting on Linkedin and chatting about the F2F program, how Belle Harvest is reacting during COVID-19 and what are apples are on the rise for the winter. Stay Tunes to The Produce Industry Show as we are going to have some apples on The Produce Industry Show on YOUTUBE SOON!  FANCY SPONSOR: Terra Exports: https://terraexports.com FANCY SPONSOR: Ag Tools, Inc. : https://www.agtechtools.com Indianapolis Fruit Company: https://indyfruit.com Belle Harvest: https://www.belleharvest.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kelly we chat with Nick Mascari, President of Belle Harvest based in Michigan. As a business built on generations of growers, Belle Harvest strives to maximize value for our retail partners, growers, and consumers. Every apple receives special care and attention from the field all the way to the shelf, to ensure delivery of the highest quality products our partners have come to expect and flavors our consumers crave. Nick and Patrick chat about meeting on Linkedin and chatting about the F2F program, how Belle Harvest is reacting during COVID-19 and what are apples are on the rise for the winter. Stay Tunes to The Produce Industry Show as we are going to have some apples on The Produce Industry Show on YOUTUBE SOON!  FANCY SPONSOR: Terra Exports: <a href="https://terraexports.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://terraexports.com</a> FANCY SPONSOR: Ag Tools, Inc. : <a href="https://www.agtechtools.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.agtechtools.com</a> Indianapolis Fruit Company: <a href="https://indyfruit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://indyfruit.com</a> Belle Harvest: <a href="https://www.belleharvest.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.belleharvest.com</a>

Nick Mascari, President of Belle Harvest - EP61

“We want to make sure that when consumers pick up an Applewood Fresh apple, they're getting the best eating experience for their money.” Nick Mascari (16:04-16:13) Farmers want to farm. They don't always want to get involved in the marketing and sale of their products.  Applewood Fresh works with family farmers to bring their products to market. They represent over 34 Michigan apple farmers, spanning 11,000 acres throughout the state of Michigan.  Nick Mascari, President of Applewood Fresh, grew up in the produce industry. His great uncle started a company that served as a distributor to restaurants and grocery stores. His father took over the business, giving Nick the chance to learn about the industry.  Nick went on to work for Chiquita and Dole before returning to the family business and then venturing out on his own. He soon landed in Michigan as the Vice-President of sales and marketing for Applewood Fresh before becoming its President and a managing partner.  Growing Apples in the Midwest  The nutrient-rich soil found in Michigan is optimal for growing apples and other agriculture products. The area’s unique climate protects the fragile spring buds, which can extend the growing season into late fall.  “Sunny days and cool nights sharpen the apple’s flavor, color, and crisp bite. What you get in Michigan is a tasty, juicy, crunch-packed apple-eating experience.” - Nick Mascari (9:53-10:06) Applewood Fresh has three packing facilities in Michigan. They distribute to 20 states, including major retail chains, food service companies, universities, and hospitals.  Applewood Fresh grows 21 varieties of apples. But their Kanzu, Rave, and Sweet Tango apples are what set the company apart from others in the industry.   A hybrid apple is a cross between two apples. Growers take a specific kind of apple and breed its characteristics with another to grow high-quality apples for consumers.  The Most Popular Apples on the Market The Gala apple has become the most popular apple. But other apples like the Honey Crisp are also popular among consumers, and many growers are using the Honey Crisp as the parent for growing new varieties.  “When you choose an Applewood Fresh apple, you're making an excellent choice.” - Lori Taylor (15:32-15:35) If you can’t keep up with all the different apples that appear on the market, the first step is to know what you like. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Try them all and find your favorite.  You can find Applewood Fresh apples in Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and other major retailers.  Applewood Fresh wants you to explore the apples at your local grocery stores. There are so many varieties that range from tart to sweet and everything in between. Try them all and try them often.  How to get involved  Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!  Reach out to us - we’d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.   If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!   Transcript available here:  tpmep76tpmep76

“We want to make sure that when consumers pick up an Applewood Fresh apple, they're getting the best eating experience for their money.” Nick Mascari (16:04-16:13) Farmers want to farm. They don't always want to get involved in the marketing and sale of their products.  Applewood Fresh works with family farmers to bring their products to market. They represent over 34 Michigan apple farmers, spanning 11,000 acres throughout the state of Michigan.  Nick Mascari, President of Applewood Fresh, grew up in the produce industry. His great uncle started a company that served as a distributor to restaurants and grocery stores. His father took over the business, giving Nick the chance to learn about the industry.  Nick went on to work for Chiquita and Dole before returning to the family business and then venturing out on his own. He soon landed in Michigan as the Vice-President of sales and marketing for Applewood Fresh before becoming its President and a managing partner.  Growing Apples in the Midwest  The nutrient-rich soil found in Michigan is optimal for growing apples and other agriculture products. The area’s unique climate protects the fragile spring buds, which can extend the growing season into late fall.  “Sunny days and cool nights sharpen the apple’s flavor, color, and crisp bite. What you get in Michigan is a tasty, juicy, crunch-packed apple-eating experience.” - Nick Mascari (9:53-10:06) Applewood Fresh has three packing facilities in Michigan. They distribute to 20 states, including major retail chains, food service companies, universities, and hospitals.  Applewood Fresh grows 21 varieties of apples. But their Kanzu, Rave, and Sweet Tango apples are what set the company apart from others in the industry.   A hybrid apple is a cross between two apples. Growers take a specific kind of apple and breed its characteristics with another to grow high-quality apples for consumers.  The Most Popular Apples on the Market The Gala apple has become the most popular apple. But other apples like the Honey Crisp are also popular among consumers, and many growers are using the Honey Crisp as the parent for growing new varieties.  “When you choose an Applewood Fresh apple, you're making an excellent choice.” - Lori Taylor (15:32-15:35) If you can’t keep up with all the different apples that appear on the market, the first step is to know what you like. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Try them all and find your favorite.  You can find Applewood Fresh apples in Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and other major retailers.  Applewood Fresh wants you to explore the apples at your local grocery stores. There are so many varieties that range from tart to sweet and everything in between. Try them all and try them often.  How to get involved <ul> <li>Join The Produce Moms Group on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and continue the discussion every week! </li> <li>Reach out to us - we’d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more <a>here</a>. </li> </ul> If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Transcript available here: <a href="https://www.temi.com/editor/t/1WApAb0XzxA9EDmy5GTdAxXXdIwPOYyg2cauYgxrwoh7YAnr277KTb-3dP718pRD2Q4h7MOkOyvCTpXS-J04Gntz7rw?loadFrom=DeliveryEmail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> tpmep76tpmep76</a>

EP76: Pure Michigan Apples: From Family Farms to Your Kitchen with Nick Mascari of Applewood Fresh 