ELGIN, MN - Cherries are fresh in their boxes and ready to meet a hungry market. As demand continued to exceed supply, I had a chance to catch up with Chuck Sinks, President of Sales and Marketing for Honeybear Brands, to discuss the company’s recent supply expansion in the category and more in the works for the months to come.

“Honeybear is excited because we’ll have double last year’s volume with close to a million boxes; we are thrilled to welcome new growers bringing cherries to be packed and shipped by Honeybear. We have been able to bring on a lot of new customers,” Chuck shared.

With enthusiasm for both new and existing retail partners, Chuck explained that the company is utilizing one of its existing packing sheds in Pateros, Washington, and added a second in Wenatchee, Washington. With the addition of Custom Packing, the company is now able to pack more cherries in its own facilities. 

“We offer a state-of-the-art line to help pack Honeybear cherries across several varieties, and new and existing retail partners will both have an opportunity to see the great quality and diversified packs these facilities enable us to offer,” Chuck said. “We are seeing really good results from our strong Honeybear history and expanded capabilities. It is an exciting time and direction for the company, and we cannot wait to welcome even more retail partners to our business. A key part of our growth, of course, is the gratitude we have for customers who continue to entrust us with their business and recognize the potential of this moment and the direction we are headed.”

Chuck explained that both seasoned and fresh customers will see great opportunities from Honeybear’s latest supply partnerships, particularly on the apple side of the business, which has since blossomed into expanded cherry opportunities as well.

“The expansion of Honeybear cherries has given us additional retail opportunities, and that is exciting for all involved. Our current and new customers are enjoying our extensive import program. Honeycrisp apples and pears are bridging the gap from the shortage of Washington Honeycrisp this summer. We’ve seen outstanding sales and new customer partnerships as a result of our import program,” Chuck said.

Honeybear is looking forward to new crop apples this fall, with projected expectations forecasting upward of triple the volume from last season.

“The addition of Valicoff Orchards and Custom Pack capabilities, coupled with our strong efficiencies at Honeybear Growers, means customers will see a lot more varieties, packages, and volumes from Honeybear’s new crop offerings come mid to late August,” Chuck concluded.

With players like Honeybear making key moves across fresh categories, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on all the latest.