Moses Lake, WA (August 29, 2024) – Okanagan Specialty Fruits® (OSF), the developer and grower behind the innovative Arctic® apple varieties, is pleased to announce the completion of their cutting-edge controlled atmosphere (CA) facility at their Moses Lake Campus. The facility is already operational and spans an impressive 107,000 square feet.
"The CA facility utilizes advanced refrigeration and controlled atmosphere technology to create an optimal environment for apple storage," explains Ray Moody, Facility Operations Manager for OSF. "This technology helps maintain the freshness, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of Arctic apples, extending their shelf life and ensuring the unparalleled quality our apples are known for."
Situated just 35 minutes from OSF's orchards, the controlled atmosphere facility is strategically located adjacent to the company's Moses Lake processing plant. This close proximity minimizes transportation costs and emissions while optimizing fruit quality. It also enables just-in-time production, ensuring that Arctic apple slices are delivered to customers at peak freshness.
"Our CA facility marks our continued commitment to deliver the highest quality sliced apples to our customers," explained Don Westcott, President of Okanagan Specialty Fruits. "With construction now complete, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for our products as our orchard production continues to increase yearly."
The facility is exclusively dedicated to storing Arctic apples, a key component of the company's vertically integrated business model. As the 2024 fall harvest approaches, the facility is fully equipped and prepared to handle Arctic Goldens, Arctic Grannys, and Arctic Fujis, ensuring the season's demands are met with unmatched precision and care.
About Okanagan Specialty Fruits & Arctic Apples
Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) is a vertically integrated company specializing in the development, growing, processing, and marketing of novel tree fruit varieties developed through bioengineering. Based in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada, OSF was founded in 1996 and acquired by an affiliate of Third Security, LLC in 2019. OSF's flagship product is its Arctic apple varieties. Arctic apples provide a sustainable solution to less food waste and improved apple consumption. For consumer information, visit www.arcticapples.com; to learn more about the company's newest venture, Endless Orchard Hard-Pressed Cider, visit www.eocider.com. For company information and partnership opportunities, visitwww.okspecialtyfruits.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Catlett, Director of Marketing and Communications
(250) 404-0101
[email protected]
Photos to accompany Press Release can be found here.