IN THE PRESS

Hood River News December 18, 2004

By Janet Cook, News staff writer

Oregon Growers and Shippers spreads more local flavors

Looking for that last-minute gift with a local flavor? Oregon Growers and Shippers has just what Santa ordered.

Oregon Growers and Shippers is a Hood River company that creates fruit spreads, chutneys and butters made from locally grown products. The company launched last spring with six preserves. Now there are nine products, with more in development.

The names alone are apt make your mouth water: Vanilla Pear Butter, Spiced Cider Spread, Apple Fennel Chutney. For wine-lovers, there’s even Strawberry Pinot Noir Fruit Spread and Cherry Zinfandel Fruit Spread.

“It’s important to us, and our business strategy, that we work to showcase the best of local food and resources,” said cofounder Dave Gee. “We’re trying to connect the food source with the marketplace.” OGS uses fruit from local growers, including Wells Orchards, McCurdy Farms and Kinsey Orchards in Mosier.

OGS products are sold in a variety of stores throughout the Northwest, as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area and on the East Coast. For the holidays, OGS is creating special gift boxes of spreads, which can be purchased at Panzenella Bakery, The Gift House, Rasmussen Farms and Rosauers. They are also available online at www.growersandshippers.com.