U.S.: Chelan Fresh, Columbia Valley Fruit sign apple marketing agreement

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U.S.: Chelan Fresh, Columbia Valley Fruit sign apple marketing agreement

Washington State fruit companies Chelan Fresh and Columbia Valley Fruit have enter into an agreement whereby the former will be the exclusive marketer of the latter's organic and conventional apples. 

Columbia Valley Owners Pictured Left to Right: Orlin Knutson, Tom Tudor, Bill Monson, Mark Tudor, Chris Vizena

The fruit will be marketed under the organic Cascade Crest label and the internationally-recognized conventional Trout label.

Columbia Valley Fruit works with Washington growers to produce, store and pack apples.

As one of the first organic apple farms in Washington State, Columbia Valley Fruit has nearly 30 years’ experience growing organic fruit. The company also helps its farmers grow in accordance with the National Organic Program Standards.

"Our growers are our top priority - whether it be providing support and guidance to produce great quality fruit, or making strategic moves to assure top returns for their efforts," Columbia Valley Fruit partner and spokesperson Orlin Knutson said.

"We are confident that the market access achieved through this alliance with Chelan Fresh will provide our growers with exciting economic opportunities well into the future."

Meanwhile, Chelan Fresh CEO Tom Riggan said the company was excited to be working with the Columbia Valley family.

“Our customers value the high-quality, strong varietal mix that Columbia Valley Fruit brings to the market," he said.

Under this exclusive marketing agreement, which goes into effect Sept.1, 2017, partners Orlin Knutson, Mark and Tom Tudor, Chris Vizena and Bill Monson will retain ownership of Columbia Valley Fruit.

This comes just a little more than a month after Chelan Fresh and Borton Fruit announced their merger.

www.freshfruitportal.com

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