We’re honored that our Organic Rainier Cherries have been named a finalist in the Snacks Category of the Good Food Foundation’s 15 Years of Good Food Awards.

This special Community Choice award recognizes past winners who continue to set the standard for taste, craftsmanship, and responsible production. In 2023, Chukar’s Organic Rainier Cherries won a Good Food Award in the Snacks category. 

We’re grateful for the public’s support—over 8,000 ballots were submitted this year—and for everyone who values local farmers and real food. Winners will be announced on June 28th at the Good Food Mercantile in New York City.

Growing & Drying Rainier Cherries

Organic Rainier Cherries have been a top seller since Chukar launched their Certified Organic product line in 2013. Our Organic Rainiers are USDA Certified Organic and contain only one ingredient—Northwest cherries.

Grown locally in the Inland Pacific Northwest, our cherries are dried within days of harvest—without added sugar, preservatives, or sulfites. Our founder, Pam Montgomery, pioneered a natural drying process in the 1980s that layers fresh cherries into warm air tunnels where they are slowly dehydrated, preserving their flavor and nutrition.

Located in the heart of cherry country, we are proud to work closely with local farmers. In fact, the Rainier cherry itself was first cultivated just five miles from our headquarters at Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research & Extension Center.

Our Rainiers are picked at peak ripeness, capturing their natural sweetness

Award-Winning Flavor

According to Karley Lange, Marketing Specialist at Northwest Cherries, Rainier Cherries are unique among cherry varietals: “Northwest Rainier Cherries quickly rose to international prominence for their exceptionally large size, vibrant yellow color and pink blush skin, and delicately sweet flavor. It is no surprise to us that Chukar’s Organic Rainier Cherries—dried within days of harvest in the center of Washington’s fruit lands—are recognized as an exceptionally rewarding snack.”

Organic Rainier Cherries are dried within days of harvest, without added sugar or preservatives

2023 Award Ceremony

The 2023 award ceremony was held in Portland, OR, where founder Pam Montgomery accepted the Good Food Award on behalf of our entire team. We were proud to stand among so many dedicated food crafters who care deeply about responsible production and great taste.

Pam Montgomery accepting the Good Food Award in 2023, a moment that celebrated decades of dedication to Northwest cherries

Thank you for helping us celebrate the tradition of exceptional Northwest cherries—and for supporting local, sustainable food. We’re proud to be recognized again this year and are excited to share the results with you soon.