Organic apple volume rising at Oneonta
Organic apple volume rising at Oneonta
Organic production at Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers continues on a steady path to meet consumer demand. “Our organic apple volume has grown from 800,000 boxes to 1.4 million boxes this season,” said Dan Wohlford, national marketing representative. “One of our grower partners brought all their organic apples to Oneonta this year.”
The company, headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, began operations in 1934 and was one of Washington’s first exporters of apples. Today, the company’s global customers receive a wide variety of fruit, including apples, pears, cherries, stone fruits, table grapes and citrus.
Oneonta grows and markets both conventional and organic apples.
Consumers have embraced organic commodities, and their interest in organic apples continues to grow as they discover the varietal diversity the category offers. “Even with the increased volume, we are struggling to stay ahead of demand,” Wohlford commented. “Our customers see this as a great complement to what we offer and are taking full advantage of our organic offerings.”
Looking down the road, Wohlford expects Oneonta organic production will likely level off in the next few years.
All indicators this past September pointed to a successful apple season for the company. “The same weather that gave us wonderful cherries helped the apples, too,” he stated. “The volume will be there.” Retailers can expect to see a full range of sizes, and Wohlford said quality this season is high.
Oneonta plans to build upon successes already realized with the limited introduction of the Koru apple variety in the United States. “We brought the Koru in from New Zealand this spring,” Wohlford noted. “Retail and consumers really embraced it.” Oneonta is planting acreage in Washington, and the variety will become a part of its comprehensive apple manifest. The market can expect to see volume boosts in approximately two years.