Rainier Fruit Co. is a family-owned and operated farm growing apples, pears, cherries and blueberries, with more than six generations of growing knowledge behind its legacy.

Rainier’s cherry journey began approximately 25 years ago, as the family operation leveraged experience and capital from its existing tree fruit programs to develop a world-class cherry program. In 2017, the company built a state-of-the-art cherry line, which is amongst the largest in the world. Today, the company deals in both Rainier cherries and dark sweet cherries.

“Rainier’s foundation is built on the intersection of quality and execution,” said Tyler Johnson, sales manager for the Selah, WA-based company. “In our company’s 50 years of business, we’ve learned that great quality is always in demand. This is especially true with a premium, seasonal item like cherries.”

For that reason, the company has invested heavily in things like in-orchard hydrocoolers that pull field heat out within minutes of picking because it improves both eating experience and shelf life down the road.

“We live and die by consumer satisfaction so it’s worth it to go the extra mile where we can,” Johnson said.

For 2024, the company is anticipating an average volume cherry crop, which is expected translate to excellent sizing and fruit quality. He explained that last season was a bounce back one from 2022’s incredibly short crop.

“It’s refreshing to hear the word ‘normal’ after the last few seasons,” Johnson said. Here at Rainier, we’re optimistic about the upcoming season overall and excited to have great fruit size out of the gate.”

Varietal selection and orchard location are Rainier’s cornerstones, matching varieties to the best fitting microclimates and soil. The company has grown acreage of premium varietals like Skeena and Rainier to match consumer demand for big, flavorful cherries.

“We encourage retailers to put cherries front-and-center in the produce department to maximize impulse purchases,” Johnson said. “Cherries earn their keep each summer as they are consistently one of the top dollars per square foot in produce. We’re on track for promotional volumes this season so we encourage retailer to plan with confidence.”

Since every crop is unique, Johnson noted retailers should stay close to what’s going on as the season progresses. With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, Rainier’s dedication to quality and consumer satisfaction remains unwavering. As the season unfolds, the synergy between Rainier’s expertise and consumer demand promises a fruitful and prosperous year ahead.