WENATCHEE, WA - Expansion is on the horizon, and Starr Ranch Growers is standing ready at the forefront. The premium provider revealed it is expanding its portfolio of apple and cherry offerings with the newly formed merger of Highland Fruit into Gilbert Orchards.
“This new partnership, with such an outstanding growing operation, allows us the capability to offer increased volumes to our customers throughout the year and is an important step in our overall growth strategy. It enhances our ability to supply our retail customers with the best tasting, highest quality fruit,” stated Brett Reasor, Chief Executive Officer of Starr Ranch Growers.
Highland Fruit was founded in Yakima in 1947 and is a partnership between the Ball and Schlect families. As noted in the release, Highland’s apples will be packed in Wiley City, Washington, beginning this fall at the Gilbert packing facility and sold through Starr Ranch.
The partnership, effective immediately, is just in time for the highly anticipated 2022 apple harvest season around the corner. This exciting collaboration will help expand Starr Ranch’s Sales and Marketing efforts offering top quality year-round availability to its customers worldwide.
“In many ways, the hard work is just beginning, but with the Highland team on board, we are stronger and able to handle anything that comes our way,” commented Sean Gilbert, President of Gilbert Orchards, who is equally excited about this new partnership.
Composed of outstanding family growers across the Pacific Northwest, from Central Washington to Northern Oregon, Starr Ranch noted it is excited to have the addition of Highland Fruit as part of its family.
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