Cherries and chocolate–where could you go wrong? Chukar Cherries, the beloved brand known for offering premium cherry and chocolate gifts, was recently recognized with a 2023 Good Food Award from the Good Food Foundation.
“Northwest Rainier Cherries quickly rose to international prominence for their exceptionally large size, vibrant yellow color and pink blush skin, and delicately sweet flavor,” explained Karley Lange, Marketing Specialist at Northwest Cherries. “It is no surprise to us that Chukar’s Organic Rainier Cherries—dried within days of harvest in the center of Washington’s fruit lands—are recognized as an exceptionally rewarding snack.”
According to a recent press release, Organic Rainier Cherries have been a top seller since Chukar launched its Certified Organic product line in 2013. The Washington-based brand sources its cherries locally and dries them without added sugar, preservatives, or sulfites, using a natural process the company pioneered in the 1980s on the family cherry orchard. The organic Rainier cherries are also USDA Certified Organic and contain only one ingredient: Washington cherries.
Hosting the Good Food Awards for the very first time in the Pacific Northwest, this year’s award show took place at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon. Chukar Cherries Founder Pam Montgomery spoke at the award ceremony, describing how Chukar went from humble beginnings on an Inland Northwest family orchard to becoming an iconic Northwest cherry and chocolate gifting brand.
2023 marks the 13th year of the Good Food Awards hosted by the Good Food Foundation, during which judges evaluate over 2,000 entries via blind tasting, ultimately choosing 15 winners in each specialty food category.
Gaining the brand even further recognition, Chukar Cherries is a regional leader in sustainability initiatives including local fruit sourcing, plant-based packaging, composting cherry pits, and waste reduction.
Congratulations to the brand on this impressive achievement!
