WENATCHEE, WA - Produce partnerships are what trade news writers’ dreams are made of, with Starr Ranch Growers starring in the ANUK team's dreams this week. Specifically, Starr Ranch and Stadelman Fruit announced they are teaming up, with Starr Ranch becoming the latter’s new marketing and sales arm, effective May 1.
“This partnership adds to our scale and gives us the flexibility to pack any variety on any given day,” said Brett Reasor, Starr Ranch's CEO. “The market requires that ability and meeting the needs of our core customers drives all of our business decisions.”
If you’re a numbers person like me, then you’ll be pleased to note that the companies’ partnership adds more than three million boxes of apples, cherries, and pears to Starr Ranch’s portfolio of 21 million boxes of fruit overall, according to a press release.
Starr Ranch will also be adding a Yakima-based cherry program to its seven statewide facilities, extending its cherry season, as a result.
"By aligning with Starr Ranch Growers we are well positioned to serve both our land and the needs of the market,” said Jeff Baldwin, President of Stadelman Fruit, a family-owned company with more than 120 years of experience. “Throughout the history of our company, we strived to be a top provider of the best quality product. This union will take us forward in our ability to implement our values and continue to deliver the best product to customers."
As part of the partnership, Stadelman Fruit will continue to own its storage and packing facility but will operate as a sister company to Starr Ranch and pack to Starr’s specifications. Stadelman has three packing lines and an organic line.
Congratulations to Starr Ranch Growers and Stadelman Fruit on their new partnership.
