Founded over 60 years ago by Tom Mathison in Wenatchee, Washington, Stemilt Growers has evolved into one of the largest fruit growers and packers in the United States. The company is proudly managed by the Mathison family, comprising Tom’s grandsons, West and Tate, and his son, Kyle. As the fruit industry has undergone numerous transformations throughout the years, Stemilt has consistently positioned itself as a leader in innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Rooted in a deep agricultural history that began long before Stemilt’s establishment, the Mathison family’s foray into farming started in 1893 when they homesteaded land in Washington. The family’s first significant venture into fruit cultivation occurred in 1914 with the planting of a 10-acre orchard that included apples, pears, and cherries. Following challenges, including financial struggles after World War II and the tragic loss of his father, Tom Mathison took the reins of the family farm at the age of 21. Faced with tough economic conditions and industry-wide limitations on quality preservation, he revolutionized farming practices to ensure quality fruit reached the market.
In the late 1950s, after a particularly disappointing return on a cherry crop, Tom realized that the key to survival lay in taking charge of the entire chain of production. With an eye for quality and a dedication to take control of post-harvest handling and packing, he transformed the way fruit was processed and marketed. By establishing Stemilt Growers in 1964, he initiated an independent path that allowed for a better quality of fruit, ultimately securing a solid reputation for the company.
Today, Stemilt manages fruit cultivation across over 20,000 acres and specializes in a variety of fruits including apples, cherries, pears, and stone fruits. The company’s operational model involves a mix of owned land and partnerships with other local growers, fostering a network of collaboration that strengthens the agricultural community.
The introduction of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage technology during the 1960s proved to be a game-changer for the apple industry. This innovation transitioned apples from a seasonal offering to a consistent, year-round presence in grocery stores. Coupled with the emergence of SmartFresh™ storage techniques two decades ago, the emphasis has increasingly shifted toward maintaining superior quality and freshness of fruits. The resulting constant supply posed significant competition for traditional fruits, with apples now vying for consumer attention alongside tropical varieties.
Amidst these innovations, the apple market faced a major crisis in the late 1980s known as the “Alar Scare.” When the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) raised alarms about the safety of a chemical growth regulator used in apple production, it triggered widespread media hysteria. Although this claim was eventually discredited, the fallout resulted in nearly $100 million lost revenues for the apple industry. During this tumultuous time, Stemilt and other orchards evolved, broadening their variety selection and allowing for healthier competition among fruit producers.
With a changing market landscape, the focus shifted from a few staple varieties, such as the renowned Red Delicious apple, to a wider array of options. The industry recognized the importance of providing consumers with diverse choices, leading to fruit packers vying to develop proprietary varieties that offered unique brands. Stemilt, for example, has exclusive rights to the Rave® apple and a variety of other unique fruit brands. The marketing strategy emphasizes the quality of every piece of fruit, operating under the mantra that “the job of each piece of fruit is to sell the next one.”
As branding gained prominence, retailers began dedicating shelf space to various apple types, creating an environment that encourages consumer choice and spurs competition among producers. Consequently, the fruit industry started to reconsider its approach, paving the way for an innovative marketplace rooted in quality and diversity.
As fruit production increasingly relied on manual labor, the industry faced challenges associated with immigration policy and labor supply systems. Stemilt aimed to navigate these challenges by partnering with CiertoGlobal.Org, which seeks to create a fair and supportive work environment for agricultural workers. This initiative provides training, housing, and a guaranteed wage of $20 an hour, ultimately achieving a remarkable 95% return rate of seasonal workers at its orchards.
Through this commitment to worker welfare, Stemilt not only enhances the quality of its fruit but also builds a community of dedicated laborers who are appreciated for their contribution to the industry.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the fruit packing industry, Stemilt Growers embodies resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to quality. By adapting to industry changes, embracing new technologies, and prioritizing community welfare, the Mathison family continues to cultivate a legacy that reshapes the landscape of fresh fruit production in the United States. As the industry looks to the future, Stemilt remains a quintessential example of how dedication and foresight can lead to lasting success in the face of challenges.