CF Fresh Harvests First Apples From ASICSA

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WA, April 19, 2010 – CF Fresh is looking forward to the first arrivals of Organic Gala apples from their ASICSA orchards next week. This farm is located far to the south of most Chilean apple orchards, where cool nights and hot days give the apples beautiful color and high sugar, similar to apples grown in Washington State. The area was hit hard by February’s 8.8 earthquake, the epicenter of which was just 60 miles west of the nearby town of Chillan.

CF Fresh has been involved with ASICSA since the apple orchard transitioned to organic production in 1997, making it one of the oldest organic programs in Chile. CF Fresh assumed direct management of the farm in 2004. Today CF Fresh is the sole owner of the ranch, which is managed by Nicholas Simian, an energetic and skillful Chilean-American orchardist, with a deep commitment to organic agriculture.

Luis Acuña, CF Fresh’s co-president was in Chile at the time of the earthquake. “It was a terrifying experience. Immediately our hearts went out to the people who lost friends and family in the quake. Our first concern was the safety of our workers, and we were all extremely relieved to learn that they and their families escaped serious injury.”

Luckily, ASICSA’s farm infrastructure did not suffer serious damage in the quake, although the area was without power and communications were disrupted for nearly a week. Some roads and bridges were destroyed, but detours or temporary repairs were made quickly. CF Fresh donated funds to cover the cost of a basic replacement home to an organization helping farm workers left homeless after the quake. ASICSA employees also organized the donation of several loads of apples to feed the hungry in the hardest hit areas.

“The Chilean apple deal this year has certainly had some new and unexpected challenges.” said CF Fresh Import Coordinator Addie Pobst. “But despite the damage from the quake to the ports, buildings, roads, bridges, and electrical grid, ASICSA has done an amazing job getting back on their feet and harvesting, packing, and shipping their apples. They’ve demonstrated extraordinary determination and dedication; it’s inspiring to work with everyone in Chile. The quake really brought our US and Chilean workers together in a new way.”

“The market is really hungry for this fruit. Everyone understands that the earthquake delayed the shipment of galas out of Chile for a time, but it’s hard to be patient.” said Matt Roberts, Sales Manager for CF Fresh. “This is really the best fruit and we’re excited to get it out into the market. Nicholas and everyone at the farm in Chile have done a great job, and now it’s our turn.”

CF Fresh is a leading organic marketer with over fifteen years of experience providing fresh, certified organic produce to retail chains and wholesalers throughout North Americas as well as exporting to Europe and Asia. With growers located in Canada, the western US, Chile and Argentina, CF Fresh offers a year-round supply of high quality organic apples, pears, onions, potatoes, stone fruits and more. The company is a highly regarded pioneer in the organic industry, and is well known for innovation, quality and sustainability.

Source: CF Fresh Inc.