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March 2005 (Yakima, WA) C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Company of Yakima, Washington and Oregon Cherry Growers Inc. are pleased to announce the formation of a new entity called CherryLink LLC. CherryLink has been jointly owned by the two companies since 2003. The partnership has already proven its ability to provide a steady volume of high quality cherries over a longer period due to the difference in crop peaks for Washington cherries (early season) and Oregon cherries (later season). This is a distinct competitive advantage in securing loyal customers in the cherry market. CherryLink gives the partnership a name to market this advantage. The mission of CherryLink is to expand the marketing of fresh cherries via the same avenues used for other produce, thus broadening its presence throughout the year to both retailers and customers. “Oregon Cherry Growers is known by the fresh industry as a single commodity supplier, but CherryLink will present us as having a sales and marketing presence all year round, not just in cherries,” said Ed Johnson, President and CEO of Oregon Cherry Growers Inc. CherryLink demonstrates a progressive approach to promoting the growing Northwest fresh cherry crop by utilizing the experience and expertise Holtzinger Fruit has developed marketing other fresh produce, such as apples and pears. Holtzinger Fruit packs and markets more than 3 million boxes of Washington and Oregon apples, pears and cherries annually. CherryLink also brings Oregon Cherry Growers closer to the end customer, which keeps them in touch with consumer trends. According to Mark Holtzinger, President and CEO of Holtzinger Fruit, “With CherryLink, we are linking North to South, organization to organization, cherries to other fruit, grower to customer and the Northwest to the world!” Holtzinger Fruit Company was formed in 1908 and is a major packer, shipper and marketer of fresh tree fruit, including apples, pears and organic fruit. Holtzinger recently became the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Snokist Growers Inc., making Holtzinger Fruit Company one of the largest fresh cherry marketers in North America. Oregon Cherry Growers Inc. is an Oregon cooperative formed in the 1930s. Oregon Cherry Growers own and operate fresh and processed fruit facilities in Salem and The Dalles, Oregon.
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