CEO George Lobisser says that after six years of trials, the company can now enhance the storage of cherries
RipeLocker has announced ”significant advancements” in its collaboration with Gebbers Farms and Chelan Fresh, enhancing the long-term storage and delivery of cherries for the 2024 season.
The group, which offers low-pressure chambers designed to prolong freshness, said that after six years of trials it had overcome the challenges associated with cherry preservation, optimising harvest timing and storage techniques.
It confirmed that cherries harvested in mid-July had been delivered to a major national retailer in mid-August, where they passed quality control without exceptions.
“Dropping acid levels, pitting, and brown stems make it difficult to hold cherries long-term,” said George Lobisser, CEO and co-founder of RipeLocker. ”After six years of trials, we finally figured out the right techniques.
”I give credit to our collaboration between Johnny Gebbers of Gebbers Farms and our director of fruit sciences, Brendon Anthony, PhD,” he explained.
“They worked closely together to revise harvesting practices and RipeLocker storage protocols to successfully hold a cherry.”
In addition to the cherries delivered in mid-August, a few RipeLockers were used to store cherries until mid-September to line up with the Chinese Moon Festival.
“These cherries would have easily passed QC by our receivers,” said Tom Riggan, CEO of Chelan Fresh. ”The Chinese market would have especially valued the green stems.”
RipeLocker said it was excited about next season, with the national retailer set to expand on what was done this year, but with multiple varieties.
The technology had already proven effective for other perishables including blueberries, the company noted, and now stood as a ”game-changer for holding cherries”.
“Another opportunity we see is the ability for growers to harvest before climatic events like excessive heat, and store before demand,” Lobisser added.
”This breakthrough not only extends the cherry season, but also enhances market opportunities for growers, packers, shippers, and retailers alike.”
