CMI Unveils Rainier Cherry and Apricot Harvest Videos

CMI has released a video highlighting one of its Rainier cherry growers, which offers a unique glimpse into the growing and harvesting of Rainier cherries in Washington State.

This new video features CMI grower, Brian Sand, who talks about what it’s like to grow Rainier cherries—including the challenges and rewards of producing these delectable fruits.

Rainier cherries are among the most fragile items in the produce department, say CMI officials. Their tender skin and light coloring makes Rainiers incredibly susceptible to orchard and harvest bruising. The cherries must be delicately picked by hand into small buckets. The fruit is then gently transferred into picking lugs that are immediately transported to a refrigerated packing facility.

Rainier cherries are a wonder of nature, according to Steve Lutz, vice president of marketing for CMI. He says that few fruits can match the flavor intensity and brix levels of a ripe Rainier cherry. 

“It’s not uncommon for our Rainier cherries to have sugar levels above 25 percent, making them among the sweetest fruits in the produce department," Lutz says. “Our CMI Rainier cherry growers are incredibly passionate about what they do. The goal of this video is to show our customers how dedicated we are to getting them the highest quality Rainier cherries in the industry.”

Over 85 percent of CMI’s Rainier cherries will be harvested by June 26.

In addition to the Rainier cherry video, CMI has also released its apricot harvest video. Harvesting great tasting apricots has been a passion of CMI's growers for generations, officials say. Now in peak production, CMI is packing and shipping out some of the country’s best quality apricots. 

CMI’s Northwest apricots soak up an extra hour of sunshine every day, producing full color, sugary sweet summer treats. CMI’s Happy Bee Orchard Apricots are available for a limited time only.