Seeking to streamline ordering in time for the fall 2022 crop of SugarBee apples, Ephrata, Wash.-based Regal Fruit International has announced it is coordinating the sale of the proprietary brand in partnership with Chelan Fresh, CMI Orchards and Sage Fruit.
Consumer demand for SugarBee continues to grow nationwide, in great part due to the comprehensive branding and marketing campaigns from Chelan Fresh over the past five years, according to a release.
The company says its SugarBee bee, distinctive honeycomb-shaped PLU, bright packaging and kid-friendly messaging are designed to attract attention in-store.
The SugarBee was discovered by Chuck Nystrom, a Minnesota-based orchardist and member of the North American Fruit Explorers, via chance seedling in the early ‘90s. He then partnered with Regal Fruit International to develop the original B-51, patented as CN-121 variety, now trademarked and marketed as the SugarBee.
About the partners
Chelan Fresh is a 100% family-owned and -operated farming, packing and sales operation of multi-generational growers and farmers. The company specializes in premium apples, including its exclusive Lucy and Rockit apples, as well as pears, cherries and several stone fruit varieties for domestic and international markets. Chelan’s fruit is grown throughout Washington State, where ample sunshine, gentle mountain slopes, fertile valleys, and crisp air combine with the waters of the Columbia River for ideal growing conditions, according to a release.
Based in Wenatchee, Wash., CMI Orchards is a family-owned grower, shipper and packer of premium quality apples, pears and cherries. CMI ships fruit across the U.S. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. Through exclusive growing agreements, CMI says it grows many of America’s top-selling specialty branded apples.
Sage Fruit Company, located in Yakima, Wash., is the sales and marketing firm for five Northwest tree-fruit packing facilities. Specializing in both organic and conventional products, Sage Fruit offers a wide variety of apples and pears year-round. During the warm summer months, it produces cherries.
