- Today

Gebbers Farms is 100 percent family owned and managed. Most all of the related family members play a role in the day to day operation of the company and the future generations are spending their summers learning the family trades. Now in its second century, Gebbers Farms is focusing on customer service, productive farming practices, workplace safety, and sharp management to prosper for the next generations to come.

“Grown by Gebbers” means the fruit comes from one of the most trusted growers of high-quality, fresh apples, cherries, and pears.

View a printable version of the Gebbers Farms Historical Timeline.

 - 2014

Click image to watch tribute video.

In October 2014, the Gebbers family and the entire farming industry lost a true innovator and friend when Danny Gebbers passed away following complications suffered from a fall he took during the 2014 wildfires. A fascinating and hard working man, Danny learned about all facets of the orchard business from his parents, John and Martha. Some of his notable work included planting the first commercial Lapin cherry orchards in Washington and setting a new precedent in late season cherries.

Danny’s legacy of creativity, integrity, respect for the land, and innovative growing techniques lives on in his children, grandkids and employees of whom he invested so heavily of his time and talents.

 - 2003-2004

2003 The Gebbers combined marketing forces with other neighboring shippers to organize the Altafresh marketing agency, which sold fruit for their own company, as well as for MAGI, Gwinn White and Prince, Apple House and Obert Cold Storage. 2004 Chelan Fruit Company joined the marketing venture, and Altafresh was renamed as Chelan Fresh Marketing.

Chelan Fresh™ is one of the top marketers of Washington apples, cherries and pears, providing direct access to over 250,000 boxes of fruit per week, 52 weeks per year. Chelan Fresh is grower-owned, representing family-owned farms, many of which are now being led by fourth or fifth generation. Growing fruit and growing it well is in their genes.

 - 2001

Following two difficult pricing years, the Gebbers Family acquired full ownership of the Brewster Heights Packing facility where they had delivered much of their fruit to be packed and were shareholders.  After taking over full ownership of the company and assuming full responsibility over both the warehouse and farming operations, the family changed the organization’s name to Gebbers Farms. This name reflects the family’s long-term commitment to the fruit business.

 - 1968

The Gebbers family planted some of Washington’s first Granny Smith apples trees and is now one of the leading sources of the variety, as well as Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. While many fruit growers in the Northwest lost their trees to severe winter cold in 1969, the Gebbers’ trees were fortunate to survive, allowing the family to expand their acreage.

Over 20 years ago, Dan Gebbers foresaw the opportunity to expand the cherry marketing season by planting late-ripening cherry varieties at high elevations above Lake Chelan. “High and Dry” is a good combination in the cherry business. The family also owns additional cherry orchards near Brewster and Bridgeport.