Grower-owned cooperative and maraschino cherry producer Oregon Cherry Growers, Inc. (OCG) has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Pacific Coast Producers, a California based grower-owned cooperative that processes and packages fruits and tomatoes for private label retail and foodservice sales.

Pacific Coast Producers plans to operate OCG as a stand-alone business and subsidiary of its cooperative, maintaining the Oregon Cherry Growers name as well as the production facilities in Salem and The Dalles, Oregon. After the transaction closes, Oregon Cherry Growers’ fresh cherry business will continue to operate independent of this transaction, as Cascade Fruit Growers.  

“We believe this acquisition will be positive for the future of Oregon Cherry Growers, for our employees and our growers,” said Tim Ramsey, president and CEO of Oregon Cherry Growers. “We look forward to working with Pacific Coast Producers to grow the business, better serve our customers and provide a long-term home for our farmers’ cherries.”

Pacific Coast Producers is a cooperative representing growers across a variety of fruit crops including peaches, pears, grapes, apricots, apples, and plums. The organization is based in Lodi, Calif., and is the premier private brand supplier of canned fruits and tomatoes in the country, driven by a mission to build a sustainable home for its growers’ crops.  

“We appreciate Oregon Cherry Growers’ eighty-five years of quality, service and innovation and their experience in supplying cherry ingredients to customers around the world,” stated Dan Vincent, president and CEO of Pacific Coast Producers. “Our company values and strengths align well with those of Oregon Cherry Growers, and will further allow us to serve the needs of our customers. We fully expect this new venture to be a platform for the continued growth for our cooperative.”

The deal is expected to close by June 17, after which Oregon Cherry Growers will continue to operate much like it has in the past, as a stand-alone business retaining its name, existing production facilities and employees.