hood river fruit company

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Founding and Early Years

Roy Webster, originally from New York City, relocated to Hood River in the early 1940s, driven by a vision to deliver the world’s finest fruit to consumers across the nation. An old catalog from that era proudly stated, “Our aim is to do everything possible to elicit expressions of genuine pleasure from your friends for the gift fruit we send them.”

THE FRUIT COMPANY BLOG

In 1942, Roy and his friends embarked on their first swim across the Columbia River Channel, a 1.1-mile stretch. This endeavor has since become an annual event, known as The Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim, attracting participants from around the world each Labor Day.

THE FRUIT COMPANY BLOG

Expansion and Innovation

The 1950s marked significant growth for the enterprise. In 1951, the first cold storage facility was constructed on Van Horn Drive in Hood River, enabling the preservation of ripe fruit and extending its shelf life. By 1965, Roy’s son, Wayne Webster, took the helm, further expanding the orchards by introducing more pear trees and pioneering hillside planting—a novel approach at the time. Wayne and his wife, Mary, also diversified the orchards by adding cherry trees, increasing the acreage and variety of fruit produced.

THE FRUIT COMPANY

Transition to The Fruit Company

In 1999, the third generation of the Webster family, brothers Scott and Addison, assumed leadership. After pursuing academic and professional endeavors elsewhere, they returned to Hood River with aspirations to expand the family business. Operating initially from their parents’ basement, they transformed Webster Orchards into The Fruit Company, leveraging the burgeoning e-commerce landscape to reach a broader audience. Their inaugural online business day was November 1, 1999.

THE FRUIT COMPANY

Product Offerings and Services

Their offerings include a variety of fresh fruits, often sourced from their own local orchards in Hood River, making them ideal gifts for birthdays, holidays, corporate events, or personal indulgence.

THE FRUIT COMPANY

Community Engagement and Legacy

The Fruit Company is an integral part of the Hood River community and participates in the Hood River County Fruit Loop, a driving tour that showcases family farms and fruit stands, promoting sustainable agricultural diversity in the region.

HOOD RIVER FRUIT LOOP

The company also honors its heritage through the Roy Webster Scholarship and The Fruit Company Gift Basket Entrepreneur Award, supporting college students and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

WIKIPEDIA

Challenges and Resilience

Like many businesses, The Fruit Company faced challenges during economic downturns. During the Great Recession, they experienced financial hardships, leading to a 30% reduction in workforce and other cutbacks. However, by overhauling their cost structure and securing partnerships with major retailers like Costco as a primary fruit basket supplier, the company rebounded and continued its growth trajectory.

WIKIPEDIA

Visitor Experience

For those visiting Hood River, The Fruit Company offers an immersive experience through their orchard and factory tours. Guests can explore the orchards, learn about sustainable farming practices, and witness the process of creating their renowned fruit gifts. The historic 1940s-era factory has been partially converted into an elegant orchard gift shop and heritage museum, allowing visitors to delve into the company’s rich history while sampling fresh fruits and gourmet treats.

THE FRUIT COMPANY

Conclusion

The Fruit Company’s journey from a modest mail-order service to a nationally recognized brand is a testament to the Webster family’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to quality. Their deep roots in Hood River, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, have enabled them to preserve their heritage while adapting to changing market dynamics. As they continue to grow and diversify their offerings, The Fruit Company remains a symbol of excellence in the gourmet fruit industry, honoring traditions while embracing the future.

Sources

Historical Background

Hood River Valley is renowned for its fertile soil and ideal climate for fruit cultivation, particularly pears, apples, and cherries. The Hood River Fruit Company emerged as a leader in the region’s agricultural industry, leveraging these natural advantages to produce some of the finest fruits in the United States.

Core Products

Hood River Fruit Company specializes in growing, harvesting, and distributing fresh fruits. Some of their key products include:

Pears:

Hood River Valley is known as the “Pear Capital of the World,” and the Hood River Fruit Company produces an array of pear varieties, including Bartlett, D’Anjou, and Bosc.

Apples:

The company grows several apple varieties, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala, each prized for its crispness and unique flavor profiles.

Cherries:

Hood River’s cherries are a summertime delicacy, with varieties like Rainier and Bing being particularly popular.

Stone Fruits and Other Seasonal Produce: The company also produces peaches, plums, and nectarines during their respective seasons.

Farming Practices

The Hood River Fruit Company is committed to sustainable farming practices, ensuring the long-term health of the environment while maintaining the quality of its products. Key aspects of their agricultural approach include:

Community Engagement

The company is deeply integrated into the Hood River community, supporting various initiatives such as:

Educational Programs:

Sponsoring school visits to orchards to teach children about agriculture.

Local Events:

Participating in festivals and markets to promote community bonding and showcase their products.

Sustainability Projects:

Collaborating with local organizations to promote environmentally friendly farming and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Hood River Fruit Company is not just a business but a representation of the region’s agricultural excellence, commitment to sustainability, and community spirit. Whether through its delicious fresh fruits, innovative products, or impactful contributions to the local economy, the company has established itself as a leader in the fruit industry.