WENATCHEE, WA - As advocates for the many formidable companies that make up the ag industry, we are always excited to see fruit producers gain some well-deserved recognition. Stemilt took the spotlight in a recent Family Business Magazine article titled Always Growing, in which President West Mathison and Vice President of Sales Tate Mathison discussed the trials and triumphs behind the company’s 60-year history as a family-owned business.

“Being family-owned means Stemilt is part of our family legacy,” says West. “I think a big part of who we are stems from my grandfather and the adversities he faced growing up, in World War II and with mother nature on the farm. Not one day is ever the same, each year brings a new set of challenges for us to find ways to overcome. But like my grandmother used to say, ‘the way we’re going to make this place pay is with a positive attitude and a smile.’ I think it’s our passion for growing fruit that will always keep us persevering.”

2024 marks a milestone year for Stemilt, as the supplier celebrates its 60^th anniversary in honor of Thomas C. Mathison, who established the company in 1964. In 2005, Thomas transferred leadership of Stemilt to his grandson, West, who currently guides Stemilt on its mission to cultivate people and delight consumers through excellence through its World Famous Fruit brand, a press release explained.

“When we came up with the brand World Famous Fruit, we knew it was going to be a journey, not a destination,” says West. “Looking back on the past 60 years, we’ve accomplished so much from being the first to put a branded sticker on apples, bagging cherries, and coming up with new brands like Rave® apples and Happi Pear®. One thing we often say around here is it takes a village, and that is the way we will continue another 60 years of growing tree fruits to delight consumers.”

At the start of the year, Stemilt celebrated this symbolic anniversary with a celebration for its employees. The celebration is set to continue throughout 2024, with a marketing campaign showcasing the deep family roots at Stemilt launching in September. As the release went on to note, elements from the campaign will also make an appearance at Stemilt’s booth during the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Floral & Produce Show in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Their business was once a small homestead near the current headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington, but it’s grown to a corporation with 1,600 full-time employees, a governing board, and a formal succession plan,” Sarah Brodsky, reporter for Family Business Magazine, wrote. “Technological innovations have played a major role in the company’s success, propelling it to its current position as the largest sweet cherry grower, packer, and marketer in North America.”

Cheers to Stemilt and its strong 60-year history!