Acquisition creates one of Washington’s largest suppliers, with rights to premium varieties including SugarBee and Rockit
US marketer Legendary Fruit Company says it has agreed to acquire apple and cherry supplier Brewster Heights Packing & Orchards, known more commonly as Gebbers Farms, making it one of the country’s largest fruit companies.
Both are based in Washington state in the US north-west, and together they will manage more than 6,000ha of land, producing around 12mn cartons of apples and 4.5mn cartons of cherries per year.
The combined company will also have the exclusive rights to produce and package trademarked, licensed apples including SugarBee, Rockit, Lucy Rose and Lucy Glo.
“The Gebbers name is the preeminent name in Northern Washington for apples, pears and cherries,” said Legendary CEO Steve Clement. “We have known and worked with the team there for many years—not only as respected operators in our industry, but as neighbors who share the same commitment to excellence that guides our own business.”
He added: “This agreement strengthens our ability to bring consumer-favorite apple and cherry varieties to market, including SugarBee apples. With our partnership in the north, we will continue the legacy of building strong relationships with growers, retailers, packaging partners and the communities we call home.”
Fruit packed at Brewster Heights will continue to supply Chelan Fresh, he noted.
“At the same time, CMI Orchards will remain a key strategic marketing partner for Legendary Fruit Company and will continue to market all fruit from Legendary’s existing operations outside of the Gebbers acquisition, with no changes to those current programs and customer relationships.”
