Yakima, WA (August 29, 2023) – Washington Fruit Growers BB #:377090, a marketer of fresh apples, pears and cherries in the Pacific Northwest, and Gilbert Orchards BB #:113734, a grower-packer-shipper of apples and grower of cherries in Washington State, announced a new partnership today.
In a move aimed to better service customers, Washington Fruit Growers will become the exclusive marketer of Gilbert Orchards. This change provides a natural opportunity for Washington Fruit Growers to support the continued growth and expansion of its customer base.
“Along with our partners at Mount Adams and Roche Fruit, we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to partner with another local, family owned and operated company. In the dynamic and ever-changing tree fruit industry, working with the right partners who share our values and can nimbly respond to the needs of our customers is of paramount importance. Sean Gilbert and his team are exceptional growers and operators and bring with them a compelling variety mix of both conventional and organic apples,” said Tommy Hanses, CEO of Washington Fruit Growers.
Sean Gilbert, President of Gilbert Orchards said, “Having witnessed the success, growth, and industry leading operations of Washington Fruit over the years, I am very confident that this partnership puts Gilbert Orchards and Washington Fruit Growers in a strong position for the future. I look forward to bringing this new partnership’s scale, breadth and depth of manifest, and combined capabilities to the marketplace.”
Kyle Sager, Vice President of Sales at Washington Fruit Growers added, “We recognize that the customer environment continues to change and consolidate. The addition of Gilbert Orchards allows us to support our customers long term growth initiatives and goals.”
Washington Fruit Growers, based in Yakima, WA, is the sales and marketing arm of Mount Adams Fruit Company (founded 1909), Roche Fruit (founded 1918), and Washington Fruit & Produce Co. (founded 1916). Gilbert Orchards (founded 1897) is also based in the Yakima Valley.
