The Michigan Apple Committee was originally established as the Michigan State Apple Commission in 1939 as a commodity group representing Michigan Apple growers. Funds paid by growers allow MAC to communicate and educate consumers, and research to help sustain and grow the industry in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Apple Committee is a dedicated team of marketing, communication, and public relations professionals who uphold the goals since the beginning. Together with governor-appointed board members and research members, MAC staff work to promote Michigan Apples and to educate consumers on the health/economic benefits of choosing locally-grown Michigan Apples.
Every fall, thousands of tourists flock to Michigan’s apple orchards for the tradition of apple picking and cider tasting. Two of Michigan’s orchards earned spots Top 10 Orchards in the Nation list, making Michigan the sole state with multiple orchards on the list.
Along with that, Michigan Apples yielded a farm value of $142M in 2022. About 50% of the state’s apples are processed into healthy, delicious options for consumers. Processed apples account for 76% of the farm value of apples, making the apple processing business incredibly impactful to growers and the state.
Apples account for 71% of the cash income generated by fruit grown in Michigan, generating 83% more than the average cash income for apples compared to other states.
775 family-run farms are found across 80 of the 83 counties in the state.
Apples rank 9 out of 37 commodities tracked by the USDA in Michigan and 3rd out of all edible crops.
Michigan Apples updates new information to keep things fresh (like their apples) and to reflect new hybrids varieties that are being introduced. Audiences vary depending on the need. Some are direct to consumers, exporters, supermarket chains, legistators or school-kids learning about nutrition. Each component is different but items need to work collectively as a whole to reinforce the brand.
Growing up in Michigan, my family were fruit farmers. This is an account I love to work on. I understand closely the importance of my work to the farmers — it's a little bit near and dear to my heart. The people connected with the project are wonderful and extremely caring individuals.