Milton, NY-based Hudson River Fruit Distributors Inc., a leading producer, marketer and shipper of a full line of high-quality apple varieties, continues to evolve and grow. It is a prime example of a family-owned company that is living out the American dream.

The company is now benefiting from the newest generation that brings new technology and added energy.A view of the new property from Hudson River Fruit Distributors' current farm.

Alisha Albinder Camac, fourth-generation family member and operations manager, works side-by-side with her father, Daniel Albinder, and grandfather, Harold Albinder, in overseeing the company’s operations. She told The Produce News that the most recent exciting news at the company is its new farm.

“We bought a 50-acre farm in February,” said Albinder Camac. “It sits between two farms that we already owned. When planted, it will be one entire uninterrupted orchard.”

She explained that the newly purchased farm had been abandoned for almost five decades.

“We have been clearing out old trees and preparing the land for new apple tree plantings, which is scheduled for next spring,” added Albinder Camac. “We’ll be planting Pink Lady and Fuji apple varieties on the orchard, which will be ready for harvesting in about four years from planting.”

Hudson River Fruit Distributors had its start in 1932 when Isadore (Izzy) Albinder immigrated to the United States from Russia. As he arrived in New York he recognized an opportunity to broker fresh produce. He bought a pushcart and began selling fresh produce on the neighborhood streets of Brooklyn.

After some time, he began having trouble finding apples that he considered high enough quality, and so decided to venture up to the Hudson Valley to source the produce directly. He began fostering relationships with apple growers, some of whom Hudson River Fruit Distributors continues to work with still today. The company bought its first orchard in 1967 in order to have better control of the apples it sold.

Izzy’s son, Harold (Chief Dog) Albinder was persistent in all his endeavors and took many calculated risks to build the business to what it is today.

“My grandfather turned 80 in the spring, and is still active in the business,” noted Albinder Camac. “My father, Daniel, joined the company in 1980. Over time he learned every aspect of the business from the ground up.”

The company has recently added to its staff to keep pace with its growing business. Albinder Camac’s cousin, Kevin Albinder, joined its team in January as logistics’ coordinator.

“We also recently hired Marcela Juarez as food safety and quality control administrator,” noted Albinder Camac.

Today, Hudson River Fruit Distributors owns five of its own farms, and it works with approximately 80 growing partners throughout New York.

“This year’s crop is looking great so far,” added Albinder Camac. “It was extra heavy but has thinned out nicely because of the great weather we’ve had. We’re looking forward to a great harvest in the fall, which will be here before you know it.”