Apple, cherry and pear company Chelan Fresh has agreed to merge with Borton Fruit of Yakima, Washington, US, to offer a year-round supply of popular apple varieties.

The new arrangement will enable Borton Fruit to join the supplier base that includes Gebbers Farms, Crane & Crane and Chelan Fruit Cooperative in the marketing group.

Borton Fruit CEO John Borton said: “The next generation of our family is determined to be positioned as industry leaders in the marketplace for the future in the fruit business.

“This partnership greatly enhances our ability to serve our customers.”

The Chelan-based fruit supplier anticipates that the addition of Borton Fruit would further enhance its sales and marketing portfolio by nearly 47%, as well as its product offering that includes early-season cherries, innovative plantings and new proprietary apple varieties.

“This partnership greatly enhances our ability to serve our customers.”

Chelan Fresh CEO Tom Riggan said: “Customers want a one-stop buying experience and shoppers want a wide selecion of high-quality apples, pears and cherries all year long.

“With the increase in volume and varieties, we can support any size programme twelve months out of the year.”

Chelan Fresh will be marketing the majority of its fruit products under the Trout label, which has long been associated with apples, pears and cherries.

The new merger agreement will be effective from 1 September, but the combined sales and marketing teams are already working closely to bring immediate benefits to buyers and the products will be retailed under the Chelan Fresh name.

The marketing teams will be operating from both Chelan and Yakima.