New Santa Rosa apple processing facility looks to service North Bay apple growers this season
A Sebastopol apple farmer plans to open a new apple press in Santa Rosa in time to serve his own and other organic farms this fall, offering a potential boost to small North Bay producers who have few options for processing their fruit.
Gold Ridge Organic Farms announced June 16 that owner Brooke Hazen signed a lease to open a 20,000-square-foot apple processing facility at 3320 Industrial Drive in Santa Rosa. Hazen said the goal is to open Heritage Apple Press during the 2026 season and process up to 80 tons per day.
The press will serve growers throughout Northern California, including Sonoma County, Mendocino County and the Pajaro Valley, he said. The facility is built to serve family and small-scale farmers, handling fruit for fresh-pack, juice, cider, vinegar and custom pressing.
"As an apple farmer, I've seen firsthand how difficult it has become for growers to find reliable processing and market opportunities for their fruit," Hazen said. "We have some of the most remarkable heritage apples in the world growing right here in Northern California, including the iconic Gravenstein. By supporting growers and bringing more locally grown apples to consumers, we hope this investment helps keep these orchards thriving and strengthens the future of apple farming in Northern California."
The new facility arrives as Northern California apple growers have few processing options, and the local food manufacturing sector has seen losses such as the exit of La Tortilla Factory's Santa Rosa plant. Manzana Products Co. Inc, which operated for more than 100 years in Sonoma County producing organic apple juice, sauce and cider vinegar, plans to finish all operations at its Graton processing plant and move to Washington by 2027.
Local apple producers also face a difficult season, between rising fuel and labor costs and a recent spate of blight that hit multiple farms during the spring.
Dave Hale of Hale's Apple Farm in Sebastopol said in an interview that while he works with Apple-a-Day at Ratzlaff Ranch to process his fruit, a new facility will be a benefit for small apple farms. He's expecting a very light season, as some apple varieties he grows are only producing 10% to 20% of their average yield, in part because of blight.
"I'm sure it will benefit people," Hale said of the new processing plant. "Anything like it is going to help (farmers) to add value to what they're doing. It will also help some of the guys who do fresh cider and small batches, like the small craft cider makers."
Gold Ridge Organic Farms said it also plans to purchase apples from growers for use in a new line of branded cider products. Hazen said that together, both initiatives will generate increased demand for Northern California-grown organic apples and create a new source of revenue for farmers.
The company said development of the facility has been informed by conversations with many stakeholders, including growers and cider makers, agricultural organizations and farm advisors. Lauren Cartwright - area director for Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties at UC Cooperative Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources - said growers need reliable processing options near them to turn a profit and keep their orchards running.
"Processing is an essential part of the apple supply chain, providing a market for fruit that might not otherwise reach consumers," Cartwright said in a statement "Supporting local processing strengthens the entire food system, from farm to consumer, while helping ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the unique varieties, quality, and heritage of locally grown apples."
Hazen founded Gold Ridge Organic Farms in 2000. The 88-acre certified organic olive orchard, heirloom apple farm and olive mill in Sebastopol is known for cultivating more than 70 varieties of heirloom and modern apples and extra virgin olive oils.
The processing facility at 3320 Industrial Drive was previously listed for sale by Stream Capital Partners for $6.6 million.
Staff Writer Natalie Hanson reports on business and agriculture for The Press Democrat. She can be reached at natalie.hanson@pressdemocrat.com or at 619-665-5887.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 6:38 PM.