RipeLocker announced “significant progress” in its collaboration with Gebbers Farms and Chelan Fresh, improving long-term storage and delivery of cherries for the 2024 season.
The group, which offers low-pressure chambers designed to extend freshness, stated that after six years of testing, it has overcome the challenges associated with cherry preservation, optimizing harvest timing and storage techniques. It confirmed that cherries harvested in mid-July were delivered in mid-August to a major national retailer, where they passed the quality check without exceptions.
“Lowering acidity levels, browning, and brown stems make long-term cherry preservation difficult,” said George Lobisser, CEO and co-founder of RipeLocker. “After six years of trials, we have finally found the right techniques.”
“The credit goes to the collaboration between Johnny Gebbers of Gebbers Farms and our Director of Horticultural Sciences, Brendon Anthony, PhD,” he explained. “They worked closely to review RipeLocker’s harvesting practices and protocols to successfully preserve cherries.”
In addition to the cherries delivered in mid-August, some RipeLockers were used to preserve cherries until mid-September, coinciding with the Chinese Moon Festival. “These cherries would have easily passed the quality check by our recipients,” said Tom Riggan, CEO of Chelan Fresh. “The Chinese market would have particularly appreciated the green stems.”
RipeLocker expressed excitement for the upcoming season, in which the national retailer intends to expand on this year's achievements, but with more varieties. The technology has already proven effective for other perishable products, including blueberries, the company noted, and is now seen as a “game changer for cherry preservation.”
“Another opportunity we see is for growers to harvest before climatic events such as excessive heat and to store before demand,” Lobisser added. “This innovation not only extends the cherry season but also increases market opportunities for growers, packers, shippers, and retailers.”
Source: Asiafruit
Image: RipeLocker
07 Jan 2025
A genetics company and Oregon State University have released sterile males of Drosophila suzukii that have been genetically modified not to reproduce. The idea is that they will one day mate by laying non-viable eggs, thus causing the pest's population to collapse.
24 Nov 2025
In Vignola, cherries are a cultural emblem and IGP-certified excellence. While Puglia struggles with outdated methods, the Emilia region leads the way. This comparison reveals strengths and gaps in Italy’s cherry sector, aiming for growth and recognition abroad.
09 Jan 2026
Smart irrigation improves cherry fruit size and profitability. With SWAN Systems, growers in Australia, North America and the Mediterranean can optimize water use, reduce waste and cracking, and boost yield through integrated data, expert guidance and better decisions.
09 Jan 2026
Rising volumes and logistical pressure make postharvest management the key driver of Chilean cherry profitability. Anticipation, DPV control, humidification, hydrocooling and contingency planning define a new operational standard to protect fruit quality, size and value.
