New leadership takes over at Greg Orchards

Benton Harbor, MI-based Greg Orchards has transitioned to new leadership with plans to change its apple offerings in upcoming seasons.

Matt Schilling, general manager of SMP Marketing LLC, Greenfield, TN, said he’s the new contact for Greg Orchards’ sales, along with salesman Char Bisbo and vice president Howard Litaker.

Blue Book Services reported May 1 that longtime executives Marilyn Redder and Barry Winkel are no longer connected with Greg Orchards.

Schilling said Winkel sold the company to SMP Marketing in February 2017 and agreed to stay with the new company for two years, which he did.

Schilling said Greg Orchards retains the same grower base of apples, peaches, prunes, cherries and blueberries, but it’s looking to expand.

“During this time, we are planting a better mix of apples in southwest Michigan to refresh the area,” he said May 3.