Chelan Fresh to Kick Off the New Cherry Season
Chelan Fresh Marketing is kicking off its much-anticipated cherry season for 2014 with increased volume on its large-cherry variety Orondo Ruby. Early shipments will start on June 10 and the season is expected to run through mid-August.
Of the Orondo Ruby, Mac Riggan, Marketing Director, said, “We are looking to expand our numbers of customers for this large cherry. It will start shipping June 20 – 23, and the window is basically the last two weeks of June and into early July.”
Introduced in 2012, the Orondo Ruby presents consumers with an intriguing combination of high sugar and high acid. The contrast between full-colored skin and white flesh is also appealing, and retailers like the fact that the cherry ships well, according to a press release.
The Northwest cherry crop is expected to hit between 20 and 21 million boxes, according to Northwest Cherries in Yakima, WA. Last year’s rain significantly cut into the Northwest’s cherry volume, prompting Chelan Fresh to keep 12 helicopters on stand-by to deal with rain events. The company says its well-prepared to deal with rain if it happens.
In addition, Chelan Fresh is promoting its unique packaging options for cherries, including its innovative Cup O Cherries. Stemless fruit is packaged in 16-ounce cups that hold approximately two dozen cherries, and the containers' reservoired lids are designed to hold the cherry pits.“It was very well-received last year, and we're also offering our 1-pound clamshell of super large cherries,” said Riggan. The clams actually hold 15 ounces of 9.5-row cherries. “It's a great niche deal for retailers, with 16 clams to a master case,” he added.
Pictured above is the company's two-Euro cherry box display cases ready for retail this June. Also, special promotions for the company’s cherries include a Disney tie-in on 2-pound poly bags and 1-pound clams. The packages feature temporary tattoos for kids.
“We’re very excited about the crop,” noted Riggan. “This year it’s spread out well, not compressed. And barring any weather events, it’s lining up to be one of the best cherry crops in years.”
We look forward to seeing this year’s cherry crop!
