Okanagan Specialty Fruits, the creators of genetically engineered nonbrowning Arctic apples, recently unveiled a 110,000-square-foot processing facility in Moses Lake, Wash.
The facility has the capacity to process more than 50 million pounds of apples per year, according to a news release. Adjacent to the processing facility, a controlled atmosphere storage facility is under construction and scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
Once fully built out, the company can store, process and pack more than 100,000 bins of Arctic apples, the release said. The campus is located 30 minutes from OSF’s Arctic apple orchards, the release said.
“We’ve redefined what it means to process apples in North America,” Neal Carter, the founder and president of OSF, said in the release. “Our Moses Lake facility is a game-changer in efficiency and bringing us closer to our orchards. When the controlled atmosphere facility is finished, every step from the orchard to the package of Arctic apples will happen right here.”
The grand opening of the processing facility in late September attracted more than 150 industry leaders, local officials and other guests, the release said, adding that attendees were given tours of the facility and a visit to OSF’s nearby Arctic apple orchards. FOSF employees were on hand during the tour, providing insight into the facility’s modern design and answering questions, according to the release.
The facility, strategically located within the new Moses Lake Commerce Center adjacent to Grant County International Airport, is expected to employ over 100 individuals initially, potentially expanding its workforce as technology and demand continue to play a pivotal role, the release said.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to delivering the finest product while maintaining the highest standards of employee and food safety,” Don Westcott, senior vice president at Okanagan Specialty Fruits, said in the release. “We are excited to be part of the Moses Lake Community.”
Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ 1,250 acres of Washington-grown Arctic Fuji, Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny apples are fueling the company’s growth, according to the release.
Arctic Gala will be the next variety for the company, followed by Arctic Honey and Arctic Pink, according to the release.
What sets Arctic apples apart is their ability to stay orchard-fresh for up to 28 days, making them a favorite in schools, restaurants, convenience stores, and retail outlets alike, the release said.
“For the first time, restaurateurs, schools and more can eliminate the hassle, risks and labor costs of on-site slicing, all without compromising flavor and quality,” Rebecca Catlett, director of marketing and communications at OSF, said in the release. “With Arctic apple slices staying fresh after slicing, they’re a game-changer for both foodservice professionals and their customers.”
The company will feature a video tour of the processing facility at booth No. 381 during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
