Michigan Celebrates International Eat an Apple Day with Walmart Partnership

News Summary

Michigan is partnering with Walmart to celebrate International Eat an Apple Day on September 19, highlighting locally grown produce through farm tours and community engagement. The event, organized by Riveridge Produce Marketing, showcases the importance of local agriculture with tours of packing facilities and harvest fields to promote Michigan’s apple industry. This initiative aligns with Walmart’s commitment to supporting local economies and enhancing consumer access to fresh produce.

Michigan Celebrates International Eat an Apple Day with Walmart Partnership

Michigan is set to celebrate International Eat an Apple Day this September, thanks to a new partnership between Walmart and Riveridge Produce Marketing. This collaboration places a strong emphasis on locally grown produce, showcasing Walmart’s commitment to support regional growers and foster community connections.

Beginning on September 19, local Walmart leaders, growers, and policymakers will participate in a series of farm, packing, and cider tours organized by Riveridge Produce Marketing. This event is designed to highlight the importance of locally sourced produce and its role in strengthening community ties. Notably, Riveridge Produce Marketing is a vertically integrated apple grower, packer, and marketer, representing nearly 200 family orchards that have been in operation for up to seven generations.

Riveridge accounts for an impressive 60% of Michigan’s fresh apple crop. By partnering with such a significant player in local agriculture, Walmart aims to illustrate how sourcing local products can stimulate economic growth and enhance community connections.

During the tours, participants will visit various components of Riveridge’s operations, including the packing line, harvest fields, and cider facility. These excursions not only promote the consumption of local apples but also emphasize the agricultural practices that go into producing them.

Investment in Local Agriculture

Walmart has a longstanding commitment to supporting American farmers and local economies. In fact, two-thirds of Walmart’s product spend supports items made, grown, or assembled in the United States. In the fiscal year 2025, Walmart sourced an impressive $1.5 billion in locally grown produce, demonstrating the retailer’s focus on establishing strong relationships with local growers.

Fresh fruits and vegetables offered by Walmart are accessible for pickup and delivery to an estimated 93% of the U.S. population, underlining the retailer’s effort to provide value and convenience to consumers nationwide. This overall strategy not only resonates with customers but also works to advocate for local agricultural communities.

Supporting Michigan’s Apple Season

This partnership comes at an important time for Michigan, where apple season is a significant economic contributor. The event aligns with the peak of apple harvesting in the state, providing an engaging platform for consumers to learn about the local apple industry and the benefits of purchasing locally sourced produce.

Walmart’s efforts in Michigan are part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at promoting health and nutrition. By emphasizing fresh produce availability and creating events like International Eat an Apple Day, Walmart hopes to encourage consumers to make healthier food choices while supporting their local economies.

Conclusion

As Walmart collaborates with Riveridge Produce Marketing to celebrate International Eat an Apple Day, the focus remains on supporting local agriculture and enhancing community relationships. The upcoming tours highlight the significance of locally sourced produce in fostering strong community ties while benefiting both growers and consumers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• And Now U Know: Walmart Spotlights Local Apple Supplier
• Wikipedia: Apple
• Jacksonville.com: Fewer Christmas Trees Due to Growth and Supply Issues
• Google Search: Local Agriculture Support
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture