Oregon Cherry Growers to sell processing arm

Oregon Cherry Growers Inc. is selling its processing arm to California-based Pacific Coast Producers. The deal is predicted to close by June 17, with no layoffs expected.

The Lodi, Calif.-based agricultural cooperative is set to keep Oregon Cherry Growers production in Salem and The Dalles, running the company as its own business, according to an announcement of the deal.

Oregon Cherry Growers produces more than 24 million pounds of maraschino cherries each year, according to a spokeswoman and the Oregon company's fresh cherry business will carry on separately from the deal as Cascade Fruit Growers when the sale is finalized.

“We believe this acquisition will be positive for the future of Oregon Cherry Growers, for our employees and our growers,” Oregon Cherry Growers President and Chief Executive Tim Ramsey said in a statement.

“We look forward to working with Pacific Coast Producers to grow the business, better serve our customers and provide a long-term home for our farmers’ cherries," Ramsey said.

source: statesmanjournal.com