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
31 Oct 2025
Chile's cherry export boom to China hides a deeper dependency—economic, symbolic, and strategic. Without a sovereign vision, the nation risks losing its narrative and negotiating power. A sharp analysis of trade, culture, and long-term geopolitical consequences.
02 Jan 2026
Chile, the world’s top exporter of fresh cherries, is tackling the growing threat of Drosophila suzukii through an advanced strategy that includes the Sterile Insect Technique and a cross-border partnership with Argentina to safeguard fruit quality and global market access.
09 Mar 2026
Chile’s cherry industry may undergo major restructuring: with over 80,000 hectares planted and 114 million boxes exported, heavy reliance on the Chinese market is pushing a possible reduction of up to 30,000 hectares while focusing on quality, fruit size and stronger varieties.
09 Mar 2026
Negli Stati Uniti cani addestrati stanno mostrando grande efficacia nell’individuare la little cherry disease nei ciliegi prima dei sintomi. Dopo i frutteti, la ricerca si sposta nei vivai di Washington per migliorare la diagnosi precoce e contenere la diffusione.
