In a significant shift for Sonoma County's agricultural landscape, Manzana, the only apple processing facility in Sebastopol, has announced its relocation to Washington in 2025. This move, attributed to the need for modernization and proximity to the majority of its organic apple supply, marks the end of a 101-year legacy in California. Manzana's decision reflects the logistical and economic challenges of operating away from the primary source of its raw materials, with 90% of its organic apples currently sourced from Washington.
CEO Andy Kay emphasized the difficulty of this transition, acknowledging the deep historical ties between Manzana and the Sebastopol community, where generations of families have been employed by the company. This relocation is part of a broader trend of businesses moving out of California, with the Tortilla Factory in Santa Rosa also recently announcing its move to Kansas.
The departure is seen as a loss to the region's rich agricultural tradition, including the support Manzana provided to the Gravenstein Apple Fair. Challenges such as zoning restrictions and the high cost of living in Sonoma County were also factors in the decision. Manzana aims to offer ample notice to its employees, allowing them time to seek new opportunities or relocate with the company.