Van Well to cease operations after delivering 2026 fruit tree crop
After nearly 80 years serving orchardists, Van Well is closing down, citing market challenges, rising costs and industry pressures.
Van Well Nursery, Inc., one of the nation’s largest suppliers of deciduous fruit trees, announced it will cease operations following delivery of its 2026 crop.
The East Wenatchee, Washington-based company says it originally planned to wind down operations in 2028 as a majority of its owners approached retirement age and no fourth generation of family leadership was positioned to continue the business. However, company officials said a combination of market and economic challenges accelerated the timeline.
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According to the company, factors influencing the decision included a prolonged downturn in the apple market, broader economic pressures affecting domestic agriculture, increasing regulatory requirements and rising labor and supply costs.
Founded in 1946 by Peter Van Well and his five sons, the nursery grew into a leading supplier of fruit trees, producing and selling more than 1 million trees annually. Over its 80-year history, the company introduced several notable varieties and unique sports, including ‘Scarlet Spur Red Delicious’ and ‘Gale Gala’, one of the first fully red-coloring Gala strains available commercially.
Leadership credited the company’s success to its employees, customers and sales agents, thanking them for their support and long-standing relationships with growers throughout the industry.
Van Well said it will continue supplying trees to customers through May 2026.