Expansion positions CMI Orchards as a Northwest cherry leader
Expansion positions CMI Orchards as a Northwest cherry leader
CMI Orchards is poised to make waves this summer, adding significant volume and expanded seasonal availability to complement its expansive cherry portfolio. Bob Mast, president of CMI, said the acquisition of Starr Ranch growers back in November 2023 substantially bolstered CMI’s cherry supply with supply partners Custom Apple Packers in Wenatchee, WA, and Diamond Fruit Growers in Hood River, OR.
"By welcoming Starr Ranch into the CMI family, we're set to handle about 20 percent of all cherries grown in the Northwest," said Mast. "This isn't just a small step — it's a giant leap that increases our cherry supply by 70 percent and expands the time we are able to be in the market. We'll be able to start the season earlier and keep going later. This move positions us to become one of the strongest, most significant players in the cherry arena.”
"This alliance brought together two distinguished companies to address market needs," said Jim Thomas, owner of Starr Ranch. "Retailers have been seeking earlier cherry availability and an extended season. By merging our strengths, we are now equipped to fulfill these requests, providing our customers with high-quality cherries throughout the entire Northwest cherry season."
CMI’s impressive portfolio includes Red, Rainier, organic, Jumbo XXL, Skylar Rae and Strawberry cherries, and CMI’s flagship American Dream program for merchandising around key patriotic holidays and summer promotions, Mast said. “We truly have a cherry for every shopper, every market and every demographic,” he added. “And now with our expanded seasonal availability, retailers can reap the rewards of cherry season for even longer.”
Joel Hewitt, CMI’s vice president of sales, said while it’s still a little too early to estimate the total production volume for Northwest cherries, the growing season is progressing nicely with minimal weather impacts to report.
“We had a few prolonged sub zero days at the tail end of winter which impacted bud development in some regions, but the extent to which this impacted the crop is not yet known. The warmer spring days we’re having could push harvest ahead by a couple of days — time will tell,” he said. “We’re hopeful for a stellar season ahead and encourage retailers to work with us on summer cherry plans well ahead of time — especially for American Dream July 4 promotions. Cherry season will be here before we know it!”
Hewitt said the Starr alliance added an additional cherry packing facility to the CMI family: “Having four advanced cherry packing operations means we can be more nimble and responsive to the needs of our customers, allowing us to run specialty packs and varieties in addition to our regular Red and Rainier cherry volume.”
Being nimble is of high importance to the business, and Hewitt said sharing the technology used ensures only the highest quality cherries leave our warehouses. “Hydro-cooling, tunnel cooling, next generation optical sorting, robotic palletizers, automated packing lines — our owners have invested in the latest technology to help us deliver the very best quality we can,” Hewitt said. “This commitment to excellence is what sets CMI apart and allows our delicious Northwest cherries to shine on the produce shelf.”
CMI’s cherry season is expected to start sometime towards late May or early June.
