Some of you may not know that Deli Market News has a sister publication, AndNowUKnow, that reports on the fresh produce industry. So, it is always exciting for me to see a crossover between our two industries. I have found exactly that with Chukar Cherries, which cultivates its delectable confections using no sugar added dried Bing, Rainier, and Montmorency Tart cherries, which are tree-ripened in the Pacific Northwest and gently dehydrated without preservatives or sulfites.
“Chukar started in 1988 on our Washington cherry orchard with locally-grown, naturally dried cherries. Over the last 35 years, our product line has expanded to include no sugar added cherry and nut energy snacks, over 15 varieties of chocolate-covered cherries and nuts, cherry and chocolate gifts, and cherry pantry provisions,” Wynne Auld, Marketing Manager, told me. “If you’ve never tasted Chukar’s goodies before, start by sampling our no sugar added dried Rainier cherries, Classic Dark Chocolate Cherries, and Milk Chocolate Honey Pecans.”
An excellent opportunity for Chukar Cherries to showcase its offerings comes in the form of industry trade shows. The company is already looking ahead to the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 15–17, 2023.
First off, Chukar is introducing its Happy Birthday and Happy Hanukkah chocolate boxes filled with a fan-favorite Chocolate Cherry Quartet—a combination of four unique milk and dark chocolate cherries. The supplier is also introducing colorful boxes of no sugar added Triple Cherry Nut and Pistachio Cherry energy mix—sized right for hostess gifts or standout additions to gift baskets.
“Building on the popularity of Chukar’s Classic Dark Chocolate Cherries, Chukar is also releasing a new Dark Chocolate Assortment Box and Dark Chocolate Sampler, with curated selections of unique dark chocolate cherries and roasted nuts in attractive gift packaging and price points,” Wynne continued.
Lastly, Chukar is releasing a new Milk Chocolate Cherries Classic Assortment by customer request.
“Our Classic Assortments are sized for individual enjoyment and are a popular gift. They slip easily into a handbag or suitcase to present at a party,” Wynne explained.
On a final note, Wynne shared some of the company’s goals for the upcoming event.
“We aim to rebuild community connections with fellow exhibitors and suppliers while connecting with retailers looking for unique, Northwest flavors and gifts. Sweet and sour cherries are fragile fruits, and our location in the heart of Washington’s fruit lands enables us to capture their lush flavors,” Wynne said. “We now dehydrate nearly a half a million pounds of Northwest cherries per year in the span of a few short summer months. Connecting with wholesale partners looking to showcase the unique flavor of tree-ripened Northwest cherries and chocolate is our goal.”
When fresh produce and specialty food unite, it is a beautiful thing. Stay tuned for more.
