The Story Behind Oregon Fruit Products: A Journey from Farm to Can

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Fruit Products Company label was more than just a brand; it was a familiar image, a symbol of quality that stood the test of time. It represented a commitment to local agriculture and community, values that resonate deeply with the spirit of Oregon.

Oregon Fruit Products Lineup Labels — A selection of Oregon Fruit Products labels, showcasing their diverse range of canned fruits.

Today, while the label has been subtly updated, the company’s core values remain unchanged. They maintain strong ties with local family farms, providing a stable market for their produce, and they employ hundreds of local residents, many of whom have dedicated decades of their lives to the company. It’s not uncommon to find multiple generations of families working side-by-side, a testament to Oregon Fruit Products’ commitment to its employees and the community.

I’m incredibly proud to share the story of this iconic Oregon company. Their dedication to quality, their support of local agriculture, and their commitment to their employees make them a true Oregon success story.

Oregon Fruit Products: A Legacy of Quality

Since 1935, Oregon Fruit Products has been a trusted provider of high-quality canned specialty fruit products for consumers across the country. Beyond the familiar cans on grocery store shelves, they also produce aseptic purees, ingredients, and frozen blended products for various businesses. Their classic black labels are a hallmark of quality and consistency, and their diverse product line includes 11 different types of canned fruit, ranging from the ever-popular red tart cherries to unique offerings like gooseberries and blueberries.

Oregon Fruit Products Labels — The iconic black labels of Oregon Fruit Products, a symbol of quality for generations.

Based in Salem, Oregon, Oregon Fruit Products collaborates with approximately 25-30 growers, the majority of whom are located in close proximity to the processing plant. The exception is the cherry farms in Washington’s Yakima Valley, a region renowned for its exceptional cherry production. The pursuit of the highest quality ingredients leads them to source these cherries, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards.

A glimpse into the farms that supply Oregon Fruit Products with their fresh, high-quality fruit.

My journey with Oregon Fruit Products began when I met CEO Chris Sarle at the Oregon Berry Festival. His invitation to visit the company’s operations was a welcome opportunity to learn firsthand about their commitment to quality and sustainability. Accompanied by my children, we embarked on a tour that started at the Oregon Blueberry Farms & Nursery in Silverton, Oregon.

Oregon Blueberry Farms: Where Quality Begins

Oregon Fruit Products CEO Chris Sarle — Chris Sarle, CEO of Oregon Fruit Products, shares his passion for quality and local agriculture.

This particular family-owned farm cultivates approximately 200 acres of blueberries, a significant contribution to the supply chain that supports Oregon Fruit Products. Their dedication to sustainable farming practices and careful fruit management ensures that only the highest quality blueberries make their way into the company’s products.

Fields of plump, juicy blueberries at Oregon Blueberry Farms.

Zach, the Oregon Fruit Products Company Field Representative, plays a crucial role in maintaining the connection between the company and its growers. He maintains frequent contact with the farmers, ensuring that the fruit is harvested at its peak ripeness and handled with utmost care. His extensive experience in farming, with roots stretching back over 100 years, provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges and rewards of agriculture.

Oregon Fruit Products Field Rep Zach — Zach, the Field Representative, works closely with growers to ensure quality and consistency.

Zach provided an insightful demonstration of the blueberry harvesting process, showing us how the mechanical harvesters gently shake the bushes, collecting the ripe berries while minimizing damage. My children were thrilled to climb aboard one of these massive machines, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the scale and efficiency of modern agriculture. Seeing them next to the harvester provided a powerful visual representation of its size and capabilities.

A massive blueberry harvester at Oregon Blueberry Farms.

This specialized machinery can harvest approximately 15 acres of blueberries each night. Harvesting at night is advantageous because the cooler temperatures make the berries firmer and less susceptible to damage during the picking process. This attention to detail ensures that the fruit arrives at the processing plant in optimal condition.

A closer look at the blueberry harvesting machine in action.

The efficiency of these machines is remarkable. They can fill one of the large blue crates in a matter of seconds. Within an hour, an entire truckload of these crates can be filled, ready for transport to the Oregon Fruit Products processing plant.

Blue bins filled with freshly harvested blueberries, ready for processing.

Machine Picked, Hand Sorted: A Commitment to Quality

Following our visit to the blueberry farm, we toured the Oregon Fruit Products Company plant, where we witnessed the entire process of sorting, weighing, steaming, and canning the fresh fruit. Before entering the plant, we donned the appropriate attire, including hairnets and lab coats, ensuring that we met the company’s strict hygiene standards.

Dressed for the occasion: Exploring the Oregon Fruit Products plant.

Seeing my children in their oversized lab coats and hairnets, their eyes wide with curiosity, was a truly special moment. I was grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with them, fostering their appreciation for the food we eat and the processes that bring it to our table.

We followed the blueberries on their journey from the farm to the blue bins and then into the plant. The first step in the processing involved a team of workers meticulously hand-sorting the berries, removing any that did not meet the company’s stringent quality standards.

Oregon Fruit Products Berries in Bins — Bins overflowing with blueberries, awaiting sorting and processing.

Following the initial hand-sorting, the blueberries passed through a specialized color-sorting machine. This advanced technology uses optical sensors to identify and remove berries that are discolored or do not meet the desired color specifications. This ensures that only the most visually appealing and uniform berries make it to the final product.

Oregon Fruit Products Plant — Inside the Oregon Fruit Products plant, where quality control is paramount.

Any fruit that is deemed unacceptable – whether smashed, miscolored, too small, or too large – is removed from the processing line. These rejected berries are not simply discarded; they are composted, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible operation. Oregon Fruit Products is committed to minimizing waste and maximizing the value of every piece of fruit they process.

Oregon Fruit Products Color Machine — The color-sorting machine identifies and removes discolored blueberries.

The approved fruit undergoes a thorough water bath to remove any remaining dirt or debris. This gentle washing ensures that the berries are clean and ready for the next stage of processing.

Rejected berries are composted, minimizing waste.

Following the water bath, the berries proceed down an impressive assembly line where a team of workers performs a final hand-sorting. This meticulous process is critical to ensuring that only the highest quality fruit is canned.

Blueberries undergo a water bath for cleaning.

Workplace Environment: A Family Atmosphere

The dedication and care that goes into hand-sorting each batch of fruit cannot be overstated. Watching these skilled workers is an amazing experience. Many have been with Oregon Fruit Products for many years, a testament to the company’s positive workplace environment.

Oregon Fruit Products Assembly Line — The final hand-sorting line ensures the highest quality fruit.

Workers like Ardis Birch embody the spirit of Oregon Fruit Products. Ardis, pictured below on the left, has been with the company for an astounding 46 years. Her dedication and continued enthusiasm are a testament to the company’s commitment to its employees and the positive work environment they foster.

Ardis’ smile reflects the kind of company Oregon Fruit Products is. They treat their employees like family, fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment that is rare in today’s business world.

Oregon Fruit Products Employees — Ardis Birch (left) has dedicated 46 years to Oregon Fruit Products.

After the final hand-sorting, the fruit is transported to the canning line. The process is similar to home canning, but on a much larger scale. The steam baths are more precise and detailed than any home canning method.

Cans undergo a steam bath as part of the canning process.

Before the cans enter their final hot water bath, they are individually weighed by skilled operators. This ensures that each can contains the correct amount of fruit, maintaining consistency and quality.

Oregon Fruit Products Can Weigh — Each can is individually weighed to ensure accuracy.

Warehouse: Ready for Distribution

The prepped cans are then packaged onto pallets in a massive warehouse. Kurt explained that the cans remain unlabeled until orders are confirmed. Most are wrapped with the classic black Oregon Fruit Products labels, but some are labeled for large grocery store brands.

Pallets of canned fruit await labeling and distribution.

Decoding the Numbers on Canned Items

Each can of Oregon Fruit Products has a series of numbers and letters that provide valuable information. This code allows the company to trace each batch of canned goods back to its origin. If any issues arise, they can quickly identify the affected batch and take corrective action.

Understanding the code on the bottom of each can.

Exploring the Oregon Fruit Products Kitchen

Our final stop was the Oregon Fruit Products test kitchen. My kids were thrilled to meet a Food Scientist, a title that sparked their imagination. Quynh demonstrated how to create simple and delicious recipes using their specialty canned fruit.

Oregon Fruit Products Tasting Popsicles — Tasting homemade popsicles in the Oregon Fruit Products kitchen.

She showed us how easy it is to blend a can of frozen fruit with lemon juice to create incredibly sweet and refreshing popsicles. This simple recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the natural flavors of Oregon Fruit Products.

Oregon Fruit Products Popsicles — Homemade popsicles made with Oregon Fruit Products canned fruit.

My kids loved these popsicles! We even made a batch at home after the tour.

Oregon Fruit Products Popsicle — Enjoying a refreshing homemade popsicle.

We also learned about the simple ingredients in each can of Oregon Fruit Products: fresh fruit, water, and pure cane sugar. This commitment to natural ingredients reflects the company’s dedication to quality and transparency.

Oregon Fruit Products Whats In A Can — The simple, natural ingredients in Oregon Fruit Products.

It’s just like canning fresh fruit at home, but on a larger scale.

Oregon Fruit Products Measuring Water — Measuring water for the canning process.

Creating a Delicious Berry Trifle

Oregon Fruit Products Measuring Blueberries — Measuring blueberries for a berry trifle.

The final activity in the kitchen was making a berry trifle. President Chris Sarles joined in to help whip up some fresh whipped cream.

Chris Sarles helps whip up fresh whipped cream.

My daughter showcased her knife skills by cutting up pieces of store-bought sponge cake.

Slicing cake for the berry trifle.

The kids layered cake, whipped cream, canned fruit, and fresh blueberries, creating a beautiful berry trifle. This hands-on activity was a fun and engaging way to learn about the versatility of Oregon Fruit Products.

Oregon Fruit Products Trifle — The finished berry trifle, a delicious creation.

Unsurprisingly, the berry trifle was my son’s favorite part of the day.

I love having the kids help in the kitchen. Desserts like this involve simple steps that kids of all ages can assist with. When they help make the food, it helps them to find it more delicious.

Enjoying the homemade berry trifle.

What a sweet note to end an incredible day!

Exciting New Products from Oregon Fruit Products

Oregon Fruit Products is constantly innovating, exploring new partnerships with breweries and food artisans. Their collaboration with Breakside Brewery to create new fruit beers for the Fruit Beer Festival is a testament to their commitment to innovation. The release of Berrst, fresh pourable fruit in individual containers, is another exciting development. These convenient containers are perfect for waffles, pancakes, crepes, sauces, and desserts.

Oregon Fruit Products Berrst — Berrst, fresh pourable fruit in convenient containers.

My kids and I used Berrst pourable fruit to create an absolutely addictive dessert. It has quickly become one of my son’s new favorites! I cannot wait to share that recipe with you soon.