Rainier Fruit Company Takes Home Best Behind the Scenes Champion Besties Award; Blake Belknap Comments
SELAH, WA - Not a day has gone by where Rainier hasn’t taught me something about our industry. Ever since I started writing for AndNowUKnow, I’ve had the pleasure of learning everything from the ins and outs of the company’s orchards to its sustainable farming practices. A worthy recipient of our inaugural Besties Award for Best Behind the Scenes Champion, I spoke with Rainier’s Blake Belknap to learn about the purpose behind its amazing educational content.
“Rainier has always been committed to doing what’s right for the land and our people,” the Vice President of Sales tells me. “A lot of this work is done without the intention of winning any awards, but this recognition is something we value very much! We thank the ANUK team for honoring us with this Besties Award. We’ll continue to be active in pursuing and sharing the most sustainable farming practices to grow the best fruit we can.”
What makes the team at Rainier so special is the awareness, commitment, and belief that can be found in every piece of media it produces. One in particular stands out to me: the company’s Industry Spotlight in The Snack Magazine. (An example can be seen here.) The company has also long held its Wholesome Heroes campaign, highlighting individuals making positive impacts within their community.
The vision of Rainier’s educational campaigns highlights its efforts across all of its operations: from individuals making a difference at the ground level to a deep dive into ways the grower is becoming more sustainable.
“Educating consumers and buyers can be one of the most challenging things to do,” Blake notes. “The best way is with boots on the ground but that’s not always achievable. Our vision is to let the people doing the work in the field and warehouse talk about it! It’s best to hear about what is happening directly from the source.”
Not only has this approach captured the heart of Rainier, but it drives forth a beautiful and creative collection of hard work.
“Sharing about the care and commitment to the land provides a small lens into what we try and do every day. We hope that sharing about what we do will help others to do the same. Ultimately the more people we can get to care for the land, the better the land will treat all of us,” Blake concludes.
Congratulations to Rainier on this achievement. We can’t wait to keep learning from you!
