It’s a cool morning as we head up the winding, dusty orchard road in search of Rainier and Dark Sweet cherries. Giant hawks circle overhead as we climb the side of a steep canyon, nestled in the hills of Mosier, Oregon one of the Pacific Northwest’s best kept secrets and an ideal spot for growing cherries.
Perched on the edge of the Columbia river, in the foothills of Mt Hood, Mosier offers the perfect mix of direct sunshine, glacier fed water and mineral rich volcanic soil.
“I can’t believe you’ve never been up here.” Our fruit buyer, Randy Sohler, laughs and shakes his head as we carefully maneuver into the heart of the Rainier cherry orchard.
I can’t believe it either. Every year I send our cherries as thank-you gifts and pitch them as a healthy and delicious way to connect with prospective clients and business partners.
Our premium cherries feature free 2-Day air shipping in beautiful watercolor gift boxes designed by renowned Columbia Gorge artist Marilyn Bolles.
The trees are heavy with golden fruit, some as big as quarters, with the Rainier’s signature deep pink blush. We pick them right off the tree and taste the sun on the skin of the fruit. The texture is crisp with delicate, creamy overtones.
“Is this the bear’s share?” I point to cherries that have naturally fallen to the ground as a by-product of the harvest. Our orchard workers expertly hand select the fruit as it is ready and ripe, so that only the best is shipped.
Randy laughs. “Yeah, I guess so. We do get bears out here, but they generally leave us alone. There are plenty of cherries on the ground to go around.”
He shows me the innovative watering system we use to reduce waste. Sustainability is a core concept out here in the orchard, both to increase efficiency and to ensure longevity. Some of these trees are almost forty years old.
On the way out, we cruise by the Dark Sweet cherry trees. Lapin and Bing cherries, both crisp and tart, a deep red explosion of flavor. Our Cherry Medley gift is a favorite of mine, because it allows you to compare the unique taste profiles of both Rainier and Dark Sweet cherries.
Connection is an investment with a powerful return and food gifts are a thoughtful and easy way to nourish business relationships. When my clients receive a beautiful cherry gift, I know they are tasting the sun on these trees, the rich mountain soil and pure glacier water.
If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you connect with your potential clients, email me at corporate@thefruitcompany.com. We have various pricing and branding options available for corporate clients.
Amber LaParne is Corporate Sales/Partner Account Manager for The Fruit Company. She is an avid cook, foodie, and explorer who enjoys helping businesses nourish their connection with prospective clients through the power of gifting. Looking for the perfect gift? Email her at corporate@thefruitcompany.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. The Fruit Company, an online gift retailer has been packing and shipping beautiful fruit gifts nationwide since 1999. Their headquarters are located in the Hood River Valley, nestled between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
