Okanagan Specialty Fruits® Completes Construction of New Controlled Atmosphere Facility; Don Westcott and Ray Moody Share


Thu. August 29th, 2024 - by Melissa De Leon Chavez

MOSES LAKE, WA - Okanagan Specialty Fruits® (OSF) latest expansion is complete! The grower recently announced the completion of its new cutting-edge controlled atmosphere (CA) facility at its Moses Lake Campus in Washington. The facility is already operational and spans an impressive 107,000 square feet.

Don Westcott, President of Okanagan Specialty Fruits
Don Westcott, President, Okanagan Specialty Fruits®

"Our CA facility marks our continued commitment to deliver the highest quality sliced apples to our customers," explained Don Westcott, President. "With construction now complete, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for our products as our orchard production continues to increase yearly."

Situated just 35 minutes from OSF's orchards, the controlled atmosphere facility is strategically located adjacent to the company's Moses Lake processing plant. According to a press release, this close proximity minimizes transportation costs and emissions while optimizing fruit quality. It also enables just-in-time production, ensuring that Arctic® apple slices are delivered to customers at peak freshness.

Okanagan Specialty Fruits® recently announced the completion of its new cutting-edge controlled atmosphere (CA) facility at its Moses Lake Campus in Washington

The facility is exclusively dedicated to storing Arctic apples, a key component of the company's vertically integrated business model. As the 2024 fall harvest approaches, the facility is fully equipped and prepared to handle Arctic Goldens, Arctic Grannys, and Arctic Fujis, ensuring the season's demands are met with unmatched precision and care.

Ray Moody, Facility Operations Manager, Okanagan Specialty Fruits
Ray Moody, Facility Operations Manager, Okanagan Specialty Fruits®

"The CA facility utilizes advanced refrigeration and controlled atmosphere technology to create an optimal environment for apple storage," explains Ray Moody, Facility Operations Manager. "This technology helps maintain the freshness, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of Arctic apples, extending their shelf-life and ensuring the unparalleled quality our apples are known for."

As the grower continues to expand, stick with us at ANUK.