Transforming the way fresh produce is sold, packaged and delivered, Strip District-based
Good Apples has expanded its headquarters and statewide client base.
Good Apples received a $300,000 Enterprise Zone loan from the
URA to support its expansion into a 13,000-square-foot Smallman St. Produce Terminal space.
President John McClelland, who is also CEO of Artistre, Inc., co-developed the company’s unique ordering fulfillment software. Via a “Virtual Farmers Market,” customers order and pay online and receive products at company or community sites that are shipped from the Strip District. “We were selling this technology to businesses that had older computer systems to web-enable their inventory and customer communications systems, and instead, we wanted to build a business around it,” says McClelland. “Our operations are in same building now. In July we had eleven employees—now we have twenty-six.”
Good Apples delivers 300 items—including artisan breads, pasta, lean meats, and organic blueberries—to 215 sites from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. In partnership with the YMCA, Highmark and UPMC, Good Apples is at the center of the workplace wellness movement. “Wellness programs have become a core features in companies. We provide a practical aspect. It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” adds McClelland, who says that Good Apples also delivers to schools, and may pilot a program in Philadelphia. “Our items are five to ten days fresher than in any store. There’s no delivery fee and no minimum order. Our prices are consistent with or below grocery store prices.”
Good Apples, which has 18,000 customers, hopes to add limited home delivery. “It marries new technology with an old-line produce business,” says John Burke, with the URA.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSources: John McClelland, Good Apples; John Burke, URA
Photograph copyright Brian Cohen