With the arrival of Earth Month and the blooming of apple orchards, Superfresh Growers is highlighting its Orchard Buddies organic packaging line, which launched in late 2024 with an aim to attract families, find homes for smaller apples and share the company’s passion for sustainable farming.
“We had a mission to make organic apples more appealing to children,” Brena Mengarelli, content manager for Superfresh Growers, said in a news release. “We realized that the precious resources in and around our orchards and fields — animals, pollinators, trees, plants and clean air and water — could be woven into fun and meaningful stories. Stories about nature and sustainability also resonate with parents. Thus, the Orchard Buddies were born.”
That cast of furry and feathered friends is committed to sustaining their orchard home, collaborating with bees and ladybugs to implement integrated pest management practices, and ensuring native flowers thrive, the release said. As apple trees burst into bloom, pollinators take center stage, highlighting the crucial role of biodiversity in the orchard. The brand aims to educate consumers about sustainable farming while encouraging kids to eat more apples, said Superfresh Growers.
The line currently consists of organic gala and fuji apples, with plans to expand the offerings to additional varieties. The pouch bags are made from 100% low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, which is a recyclable material that can be returned to store drop-off locations or any facility that accepts film recycling.
During a debut presentation a the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show, Superfresh Growers shared the bags and matching display cartons in a display. Equipped with Orchard Buddy stuffed animals and a custom children’s book touting “How the Orchard Buddies Saved the Bees,” the new packaging created a positive buzz, the release said.
Superfresh Growers said the Orchard Buddies initiative reflects its commitment to sustainability and education. By incorporating stories about nature and environmental stewardship, the brand seeks to connect with families on a deeper level; parents can feel good about providing their children with healthy, organic snacks, while kids can learn about the importance of protecting the environment and their role in sustaining it, the release said.