Stemilt & Lantao Bring First 2014 Crop USA Cherries From Washington State To Mainland China
June 17, 2014 | 2 min to read
Stemilt Growers of Wenatchee, WA and Lantao of Shanghai, China in a joint effort are the first to market 2014 crop year Bing Cherries from Washington State into mainland China. Cherries arrived by air over the weekend into the city of Guangzhou in Southern China.
“Although Stemilt had the best California cherries in the Chinese market, the overall quality and volume from California this year has been inconsistent” said John Wang, CEO of Lantao. “The poorer quality cherries brought the whole market down and now the market is really ready to step in and buy some better quality fruit. Being first to market will allow us fill that demand quickly.”
Mike Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Stemilt, feels that this year’s Washington State cherry crop will be one of the best in recent history. “Growing conditions of lined up perfectly for us,” said Taylor. “Because the conditions are so favorable, we are shipping heavier in June than normally, and we will fill the demand that we were unable to fill from California. The quality and size from Washington will meet the premium fruit requirements that the Chinese market demands.”
Dave Martin, Export Sales Director and Bill Young, Export Account Manager for Stemilt Growers sees China as one of their most important export markets for cherries. “We appreciate working with Lantao because they seem to grasp our “philosophy” when it comes to openness, trust, honesty, commitment and the belief in the quality of our fruit.” said Martin.
Stemilt is a major grower of pears, apples and cherries in the Wenatchee region in Washington State. Lantao is one of the largest importers of imported fruit into China with distribution centers in 7 Chinese cities.
Contact: Mike Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Stemilt Growers
Office: 509-662-9667 Ext 1219
Contact: John Wang, President, Lantao Office
Phone China: 011 86-21-64346071, Cell USA: 416-990-8808
Contact: Jim Provost, Vice President North American Sourcing, Lantao.
Phone: 610-869-4664
Source: Stemilt Growers