The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has named the Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year, and it's right in Traverse City: Cherry Central, Inc. was honored with the award.
Agency officials say
Cherry Central was chosen for its ability to expand into new markets and its creation of export sales growth over the last three years.
"Cherry Central is pleased and honored to be named the 2010 Michigan Agricultural Exporter of the Year," says Richard Bogard, president and CEO of Cherry Central. "Our company exports to over 25 markets; this award will definitely help us in continuing to expand our export markets and financially strengthen our Michigan fruit growers as well to expand our Michigan employment."
2010 was a really good year for Cherry Central, which saw a 20 percent increase in its export business. It makes its products locally, from Michigan-grown fruits like apples, blueberries, cherries and cranberries. The company began exporting in 1973, and currently ships products to Antigua, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Croatia, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Republic of China, Slovakia, Singapore, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Richard Bogard, Cherry Central, Inc.
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