Washington apples

Washington Fruit & Produce and Roche Fruit Company have announce that they are working together to jointly market and sell apples, cherries, and pears.

The new partnership, Washington Fruit Sales, merges Yakima Fresh with the Washington Fruit sales team, while Roche Fruit Company will continue to own and operate its farming and packing operations.

The addition of Roche Fruit’s operations adds another modern packing line 1 mile away from Washington Fruit.

“Along with our partners Don and Doug Gibson at Mount Adams Fruit Company, we are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with Michael Roche, Steve Smith, and their respective teams,' said Tommy Hanses, chief execuitve of Washington Fruit & Produce. 'We share many of the same values and philosophies, including commitment to quality and excellence in all that they do. The fit between these organisations enhances our ability to serve the needs of our customers.”

Michael Roche, president of Roche Fruit, said: “We have known the Washington Fruit team and organisation for years and believe the opportunity to partner with another long term, quality focused, family owned organisation is really unique and will resonate with our customers.”

Steve Smith, General Manager of Yakima Fresh added: “This merger provides the Yakima Fresh team with the exceptional opportunity to join forces with Washington Fruit. The breadth and depth of our combined programmes is very exciting.”