Oct 8, 2024

RipeLocker celebrates cherry preservation breakthroughs

RipeLocker, a perishable storage technology, achieved cherry storage milestones this season in collaboration with Gebbers Farms and Chelan Fresh.

The company successfully extended the storage and quality of cherries for the 2024 season, delivering cherries harvested in mid-July to a national retailer in mid-August—all without quality issues.

“This season’s success is the result of six years of trials focused on optimizing harvest and storage techniques,” said George Lobisser, CEO of RipeLocker. “Our partnership with Gebbers Farms and our Director of Fruit Sciences, Brendon Anthony, Ph.D., has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges of long-term cherry storage.”

Cherries stored in RipeLocker chambers until mid-September, timed for the Chinese Moon Festival, also passed quality inspections.

Tom Riggan, CEO of Chelan Fresh, noted the cherries’ superior quality, stating: “The Chinese market would have especially valued the green stems.”

RipeLocker’s technology, already proven for blueberries and roses, has now revolutionized cherry storage, providing new opportunities for growers and retailers to harvest early and store for high-demand periods.

For more information, visit ripelocker.com.