CMI Orchards is adding significant volume and expanded seasonal availability to complement its cherry portfolio. Bob Mast, President of CMI, says the acquisition of Starr Ranch growers in November 2023 bolstered CMI's cherry supply with supply partners Custom Apple Packers in Wenatchee, Washington, and Diamond Fruit Growers in Hood River, Oregon.
"We're set to handle about 20 percent of cherries grown in the Northwest," says Mast. "It's a giant leap that increases our cherry supply by 70 percent and expands the time we can be in the market. We'll be able to start the season earlier and keep going later."
CMI will be able to start the Northwest cherry season earlier and go later.
Jim Thomas, owner of Starr Ranch growers, highlights the importance of the partnership. "This alliance brought together two companies to address market needs," he says. "Retailers have been seeking earlier cherry availability and an extended season. By merging our strengths, we are now equipped to fulfill these requests."
CMI's portfolio includes Red, Rainier, organic, Jumbo XXL®, Skylar Rae® and Strawberry cherries, and CMI's flagship American Dream® program for merchandising around key patriotic holidays and summer promotions. "We have a cherry for every shopper, every market, and every demographic," Mast adds.
Joel Hewitt, CMI's vice president of sales, says that while it's still too early to estimate the total production volume for Northwest cherries, the growing season is progressing nicely with minimal weather impacts to report. "We had a few prolonged sub-zero days at the tail end of winter which impacted bud development in some regions. The extent to which this impacted the crop is not yet known. The warmer spring days we're having could push harvest ahead by a couple of days," he says. "We're hopeful for a stellar season and encourage retailers to work with us on summer cherry plans well ahead of time–especially for American Dream July 4 promotions."
L-R: Bob Mast, Jim Thomas, Joel Hewitt.
Hewitt says that the Starr alliance added a cherry-packing facility to the CMI family. "Having four advanced cherry packing operations means we can be more nimble and responsive to the needs of our customers, allowing us to run specialty packs and varieties in addition to our regular Red and Rainier cherry volume."
With a large selection of specialty cherries available in the U.S.A., being nimble is of high importance, and sharing the technology used ensures high-quality cherries. "Hydro-cooling, tunnel cooling, next-generation optical sorting, robotic palletizers, automated packing lines–our owners have invested in the latest technology to help us deliver the very best quality we can," Hewitt adds.
CMI's cherry season is expected to start sometime in late May or early June.
For more information:
Ashlyn Lewis
CMI Orchards, LLC
Tel: +1 (509) 888-3434 (office) ext. 112
[email protected]
www.cmiorchards.com