Last fall grower-owned-and-operated Chelan Fresh embarked on a series of individual grower interviews, consumer feedback sessions and company core identity work. “As we went through the process, a story emerged that was distilled down to two simple words, transformative yet simple: Joyfully Grown” said Julie DeJarnatt, director of retail strategy, speaking of the genesis of the company’s new fall branding.

Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, WA, kicks off apple harvest with a 21-stop cross-country trek to promote early season club varietal Rave apples. The Produce News caught up with Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt, on the road on the first leg of Stemilt’s Great American Rave Race. Shales said, “Rave  comes and goes in a flash –– it is a limited time offering, so get it while you can!”

Starr Ranch Growers, known for its top-rated JUICI apples, is elevating the collective-good with a industry first designation on over 3,900 acres being Fair Trade Certified. “We’re the first apple grower-shipper to receive this hard-earned distinction,” said Krista Beckstead, brand manager at Starr Ranch, based out of Wenatchee, WA.

Stemilt Growers participated in its national holiday, Chant at the Moon Day, celebrating the 10th harvest of its high-elevation, A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries. Fourth-generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison kicked off the early morning festivities with his usual charm, gracious words and cherry charisma.

Washington blueberry growers are readying for a record-breaking blueberry season this summer. Eastern Washington is well under way picking and shipping to local grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops and across the globe. Western Washington will more than double the state’s yields as it enters production.

Last fall grower-owned-and-operated Chelan Fresh took stock of where it had come from, who it was, and where it was going, it embarked on a series of individual grower interviews, feedback sessions and core identity “excavation” work. As the process unfolded, a story emerged that was distilled down to two simple words, transformative yet simple: Joyfully Grown.