Honeybear® Brands Bolsters Cherry and Organic Apple Production With Strategic Acquisitions; Jim Divis and Don Roper Discuss
ELGIN, MN - Two strategic acquisitions are equalling increased organic cherry and apple production for Honeybear® Brands. The company recently unveiled its acquisition of two separate facilities in Pateros, Washington, which means big things for its organic programs.
“The newly purchased cherry facility has an industry-leading UNITEC sizer, allowing for automated sizing and defect sorting. We are eager to provide our retail partners with consistent finished packs of the highest quality fruit available,” said Jim Divis, General Manager.
According to a press release, the purchase of the Big River cherry facility will bolster the Honeybear Northern Washington operations by providing additional supply and production capabilities.
With the flexibility to select from a variety of pack types—such as volume fill, pouch bags, and clamshells—Honeybear’s retail and export partners can be confident in their consistent delivery of high-quality products. As the supplier noted, the timing of this transaction coincides with the 2023 cherry season and the increased consumer demand for cherries.
In addition to its increased capabilities in the cherry category, the purchase of another apple production facility will offer increased packing and cold storage capabilities to support the Honeybear continued organic sales growth and program demand.
“We are excited to bring this facility on board as it will directly support our growing organic apple production,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “As we look toward continued expansion plans to fulfill growing customer demands, Honeybear is poised for a promising future. We are always committed to upholding the level of customer satisfaction that our valued customers have come to expect.”
The two new facilities are located adjacent to each other, anchored by the grower’s state-of-the-art packing facility in Brewster, Washington.
Where will this strategic play take the supplier next? Our guess is up!
For more fresh produce updates, keep an eye on ANUK.
