Our Story
Since 1908, Henggeler Packing Company has been a staple in Idaho's fruit-growing industry. C.B. Henggeler began the family legacy by planting fruit trees on his farm near Fruitland, Idaho. Charles Henggeler soon joined him across the road, and together with his children, they grew a strong orchard amidst the challenges of early 20th-century farming with horse-drawn machinery.
In 1943, Charles' sons Tony and Joe, alongside J.A. McMillan, established Henggeler Packing Company. Despite initial setbacks due to crop failures from spring freezes, the company persevered, eventually thriving by 1945. During this time, they adopted the "Fortress" label, inspired by the success of World War II's flying fortress bombers.
The Next Generation—Jerry, Rudy, Tony, and Robert—ushered in significant improvements at Henggeler Packing. They modernized operations, transitioning from wooden baskets to cardboard boxes, and enhanced storage methods with controlled atmosphere technologies.
Today
Currently managed by the fourth generation—Kelly, Ryan, and Chad—the company continues its commitment to producing excellent fruit. A new facility and state-of-the-art packing line were constructed in 1998 with updated software installed in 2024. Within the last two decades, the installation of drip systems, trellis systems, and integrated pest management (IPM) has been instrumental in building a sustainable program that protects Idaho’s valuable resources of clean water, air, and land.
Still under the "Fortress" label, Henggeler Packing now uses recyclable cardboard boxes and refrigerated containers for international and domestic distribution. Their dedication to quality and affordability remains steadfast, serving local grocers, schools, and customers with a delicious variety of fruit.
For over 100 years, Henggeler Packing Company has upheld the family tradition of delivering quality fruit to customers worldwide.
