As a federated cooperative, CherrCo now has 28 member cooperatives in the United States and Canada. It represents 75 to 80 percent of Michigan's tart cherry production and significant portions of the production in New York, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Ontario. Members range in size from producing about 600,000 pounds to more than 10 million pounds annually. The cooperative's primary directive is to establish minimum prices for various grades and packs of frozen and hot-pack tart cherries. Once a minimum price is set, individual members select sales agents, all of whom are licensed by the cooperative.
Sales agents can represent more than one member.
But it is imperative that sales information be treated as proprietary and not shared with other members. Information about who is selling to whom and at what price is also confidential. By licensing the agents, CherrCo can ensure they follow procedures as well as abide by the established minimum price. CherrCo also tracks and keeps a handle on the nation's tart cherry inventory. When and where possible, CherrCo and the licensed agents work to pool production to meet customer demands.