At Columbia Valley Fruit we have invested in the latest technology to respond to the needs of our customers. In our 80,000 square foot packing facility located in the Yakima Valley, Washington, we have installed an AWETA auto line packing system which sizes, color sorts, and packages apples according to the unique requirements of each individual customer.
Our highly automated apple packing system increases efficiency, resulting in higher returns for our growers. Included in our packing system are five SIMS poly baggers, five soft bin fillers, and two Giro mesh baggers, allowing us to efficiently package apples according to customer requirements. Packaging methods include poly bags, tray pack, clamshells, mesh bags, and tri-wall bulk bins.
Our automated labeling system ensures traceability of the fruit we handle. Every package of apples that leaves our facility can be traced to the block within the individual orchard where the fruit originated, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and quick response in the event of food safety concerns.
Because we handle both organic and conventionally grown apples, our packing line is cleaned thoroughly when switching from conventional to organic apples. This ensures compliance with certified organic fruit handling requirements.
All of the apple bins we handle are cleaned in an automatic bin washer, ensuring the quality and safety of the product. Trucks carrying our fruit are inspected and must meet high standards of cleanliness, or they will not be allowed to carry our fruit. At Columbia Valley Fruit we strive to maintain the excellent reputation of our facility and our growers, so we take food safety very seriously.
Our packaging facility has a four-bay shipping dock, allowing for timely shipments. All of the packaged fruit is palletized and scanned through our automated system before it enters the truck. This ensures that the right product is loaded on the right truck every time.
Our packing facility is located in Union Gap, Washington. There is convenient access for shippers just 1 ½ miles from Interstate 82, and our facility is centrally located among all of our Central Washington growers.
Columbia Valley Fruit
1720 Ahtanum Road
Yakima, Washington 98903
Tel. (509) 452-9891
Fax (509) 452-3650