Logo

RICE FRUIT CO.

Rice Fruit Company is a family business, which was founded in 1913. It is now managed by four brothers who represent the third generation of the family to run the business. The brothers (David, Ted, John, and Mark) grow fruit on 800 acres of apple, peach, nectarine, and pear orchards in Adams County. The fresh fruit grown on these farms account for about one fifth of the fruit packed and marketed by Rice Fruit Company. The other 80% is supplied by other fruit-growing families with orchards in the same famous fruit belt of South-central Pennsylvania. Rice Fruit Company stores, packs, and ships over 20 varieties of apples, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Empire, Fuji, Rome, Granny Smith and KIKU®. The apples are stored year-round in state-of-the-art controlled atmosphere storages and packed to specification using the newest electronic color-sorting equipment and gentle electronic sizers. The company also has the capacity to individually sticker fruit with variety information and PLU numbers when required. Rice Fruit Company has the highest possible ratings in the industry for both ability and integrity. It has won numerous awards within the industry including the Governor's Export Award for excellence in promoting Pennsylvania exports. Sales manager John Rice was awarded national industry awards as Apple Man of the Year by The Packer newspaper and Apple Grower of the Year by the American Fruitgrower magazine. In 2012, all 4 Rice brothers were honored as Growers of the Year by the Good Fruit Grower magazine, the first time the honor had ever gone to growers outside of the Northwest. The company has developed a high reputation for packing and shipping consistent, high-quality fresh apples. Its large capacity and unique facilities allow the company to respond quickly to orders and to comply with special customer requests. The close proximity of the company to the major markets of Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City allows the company to ship and deliver apples ...
Country/AreaUnited States
Company Emailhr@ricefruit.com
IndustryRetailGrocery RetailFarming
Company website
Company phone(717) 677-8131
Established1913
Company Revenue$12,371,000
Number of employees51
SIC Code51514
NAICS Code42424
Main ProductsApplesFruitPurchase Kiku® Apples Online!
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rice-fruit-companyhttps://www.facebook.com/ricefruitcompanyhttps://www.instagram.com/ricefruitcompany

Web Summary

Q1: Where is the company located?
A1: The company, Rice Fruit Company, is located in the heart of Pennsylvania's apple country.

Q2: What type of products does the company specialize in?
A2: The company specializes in growing and selling apples and other fruits.

Q3: What innovative technology does the company use to capture the height of freshness?
A3: The company uses innovative storage technology paired with proximity to its customers to capture the height of freshness, reduce its carbon footprint, and preserve sweet natured flavors.

Q4: What is the company's mission statement?
A4: The company's mission statement is "Sweet Natured," which describes their fruit and the way they do business. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of their fruits.

Q5: Who are some key executives at the company?
A5: Some key executives at the company include Ben Rice, President; Mike Tully, Operations Analyst; Leighton Rice, Vice President, Quality; Eric Kinley, Maintenance Manager; Tom McKenzie, Facilities Manager; Brenda Briggs, Vice President Sales & Marketing; Jill Hughey, Director of Sales; and Alma Tacuba, Sales.

Q6: What is the company's contact information?
A6: The company's contact information includes a phone number (717-677-8131) and an email address ([email protected](mailto:[email protected])). They are available to receive comments, questions, and concerns from 7AM - 5PM.

Q7: Is the company open for direct sales to individuals?
A7: No, the company is a wholesale operation and does not supply fruit directly to individuals. However, customers can purchase whole boxes of their fruit from local retailers.

Q8: What causes apples to brown, and how can it be prevented?
A8: Apples and other produce contain an enzyme that reacts with oxygen and iron-containing phenols when cut or bruised, causing browning. To slow browning, coat apple slices and dices in a mixture of lemon juice and water or vitamin C- fortified 100% apple juice.

Q9: How should apples be stored to maintain quality and flavor?
A9: Apples should be refrigerated to maintain quality and flavor longer.

Q10: What is the significance of the red color under the skin of an apple?
A10: The red color under the skin of an apple is a natural occurrence, similar to other red fruits like strawberries or raspberries. It can be caused by certain weather conditions during the growing season and is harmless and perfectly okay to eat.

Q11: How can you determine if a peach or nectarine is ripe?
A11: Peaches develop a sweet aroma when ready to harvest, and gently pressing them will yield a little, with the background color changing from greenish to creamy or yellowish/red depending on the variety.
Customs Data
As a purchaser
As a Supplier
Disable_icon
Get the Whole details
DisableData_png
Contact
Total found ??? Contacts
All
Boss
Management
Procurement
Other
Disable_icon
Get the Whole details
DisableContact_png