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With support from 20Fathoms, part of the MEDC-supported network of Small Business Support Hubs, the Hallstedts scaled up production of their delicious artisan cherry vinegar - 10/1/26
By the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Phil and Sarah Hallstedt didn’t expect to become farmers. They met at the University of Michigan and raised a family in Indianapolis for 23 years, working in pharmaceuticals and accounting, before deciding to return to Michigan. Phil’s family roots date back to 1900 in the Leelanau Peninsula northwest of Traverse City, and the Hallstedts purchased 53 acres of farmland in the area in 2006.
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Fresh Thyme Shoppers Have Spoken: Four Michigan Brands Head to Store Shelves - 9/9/2026
Provided by PR Newswire for Morningstar
Fresh Thyme Market, a Midwest-based natural grocer committed to inspiring healthier living and supporting the communities it serves, is putting customer demand into action. Following its inaugural Pitch Thyme Competition at the Farmington, Michigan store, four Michigan-based brands are getting their big break, with Bingo Roasters earning top honors as the Customer Choice winner.
fresh Thyme Shoppers have Spoken: Four Michigan Brands Land on Shelves - 9/9/26
By Michael Politz, Author of Food & Beverage Magazine
What if your customers got to pick the next brand on your shelf—before you placed a single order? That's exactly the bet Fresh Thyme Market just made, and it paid off in a way that should get every grocery buyer and emerging food brand paying attention.The Midwest-based natural grocer hosted its first-ever Pitch Thyme Competition at its Farmington, Michigan store, turning shoppers into de facto category managers. When the votes were counted, four Michigan-based brands earned a spot on store shelves.
Climate Change Is Devastating the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’ - 8/25/2026
By Miles Macclure of Civil Eats
As America marked its 250th anniversary in early July, over 500,000 visitors descended upon Traverse City, Michigan, to celebrate another momentous occasion: the 100th National Cherry Festival.
This year, the town of 15,000, which bills itself as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” hosted its weeklong celebration of the iconic fruit.
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TODAY’S LESSON: CHERRIES FROM ORCHARD TO PLATE – SWEET TO SAVORY - 7/30/2026
By Jimmy Schmidt of One Mad Chef
The full summer heat is ripening the Northern Michigan Cherries into candy! Traverse City, Michigan, proudly claims the title of Cherry Capital of the World—particularly for tart cherry production. The adjacent Leelanau Peninsula farm’s have the advantage in scale: the moderating influence of Lake Michigan creates an ideal microclimate, reducing frost risk and extending the growing season in an otherwise northern latitude. This unique terroir produces consistent, high-quality fruit at commercial volume.
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Michigan tart cherry crop crashes as growers face another bleak year - 7/27/2026
By Abby Poirier at Crain's Grand Rapids Business
Michigan’s tart cherry industry is staring down its second straight year of steep production losses, pushing some growers to abandon the crop and draining the state’s frozen cherry reserves to near zero.
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2 sessions for Cherry Palooza sold out - 7/15/2026
By Leslie Disch at Leelanau Enterprise
Last weekend’s third annual Cherry Palooza at Hallstedt Homestead Cherries was a great success. Both seatings were sold out, with a total attendance of almost 200 people. Three-time James Beard award-winning chef Jimmy Schmidt curated an exciting menu where every dish featured the Hallstedt’s Red Truck Orchards Cherry Vinegar, showcasing its versatility from salad dressing to marinade to a delicious caramel sauce ice cream topping.
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Suttons Bay Gets A New Mexican Restaurant, Distillery Tasting Rooms Reopen; Other Local Business News - 7/13/2026
By Craig Manning at The Leelanau Ticker
A new Mexican restaurant has opened in Suttons Bay, U-pick season is underway in earnest across Leelanau County, and both Northern Latitudes Distillery and Grand Traverse Distillery have reopened temporarily-dormant tasting rooms. Read these tidbits and others in the Leelanau Ticker’s latest roundup of local business news.
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Cherry-Palooza returns to Red Truck Orchards Saturday - 7/9/2026
By Brian Freiberger at Leelanau Enterprise
Red Truck Orchards will host its third annual Cherry-Palooza this Saturday, offering two seatings — 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — of a multi-course lunch built around the orchard’s own cherry vinegar, according to owner Phil Hallstedt.
The event, held at Hallstedt Homestead Cherries at 8227 N. Matheson Rd. in Northport, is a private luncheon curated by chef Jimmy Schmidt, a three-time James Beard Award-winning chef.
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The Cherry on Top of Summer: Fresh Seasonal Recipes - 7/6/2026
By Megan Huiskens and Josh Monroe at 9 & 10 News
The 100th National Cherry Festival in Michigan is featuring cherry-based recipes to celebrate the state’s significant agricultural product and highlight the fruit’s health benefits. Shanthi Appelo from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan demonstrated various dishes showcasing tart cherries.
Michigan is a top producer of cherries and tart cherries, in particular, are known for their health advantages. They contain more antioxidants than sweet cherries, contributing to their beneficial properties.
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MSU Product Center 2025 Economic Impacts - 7/2/2026
By the Michigan State University MSU Extension Product Center
Since 2003, the Michigan State University Product Center, part of MSU Extension, has assisted in business expansions resulting in total investments of over $462 million and creation of 4,067 jobs.
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National Cherry Month spotlights health benefits of cherries - 7/1/2026
By Megan Huiskens and Josh Monroe at 9 & 10 News
Registered Dietician, Shanthi Appelo of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan highlighted the health benefits and culinary uses of cherries this week in honor of National Cherry Month.
Beyond being a source of antioxidants, cherries provide specific health benefits ranging from improved sleep cycles to muscle recovery for athletes. Tart cherries specifically can help regulate sleep because they may increase melatonin levels.
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Red Truck Orchards wins bronze Medal award at the US international Vinegar Competition - 6/28/2026
By USI Vinegar Competition
New York City, NY: Judges presented a Bronze Medal Award to Red Truck Orchards for their Cherry Vinegar, which scored 92/100 at the USI (US International) Vinegar Competition, which took place this year at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Red Truck Orchards Cherry Vinegar was only one of two non-grape fruit vinegars that competed and won against hundreds of other vinegars.
View the Winners
Cherry Festival: Cherry Lover’s Edition - Foodie fun at the festival - 6/27/2026
By Rachel Pasche at Northern Express
The National Cherry Festival can be a foodie paradise—assuming you enjoy cherries, of course. Traverse City’s famous fruit is the star of the show and takes center stage for the entire week, featuring in pies, contests, tours, markets, jams, salsas, pancakes, and more.
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Grocer's Daughter Gelato Flights Feature Red Truck Orchards Cherry Vinegar Caramel Sauce - 5/30/2026
By Tastemaker Staff at Northern Express
You know summer is here when Grocer’s Daughter Chocolates of Empire opens up the gelato case. The good news is, you needn’t make up your mind about which flavor to try…because you can just order a flight! Here’s what’s on the menu this year: Madagascar vanilla bean, milk chocolate brownie swirl, strawberry rhubarb, pistachio, mocha, cherry chocolate swirl (with a gastrique made with cherry vinegar from Red Truck Orchards), cookie dough, and Meyer lemon olive oil with Black Mission fig swirl (made with Fustini’s olive oil).
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(Podcast) How I Build This With Guy Raz - Episode: Advice Line with Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation - 5/28/2026
Podcast Hosted by Guy Raz on NPR
Today’s callers: Kristina in Ohio looks for avenues beyond organic social media to market her furniture designed for toddlers and parents alike. Then Phil in Michigan considers the best messaging to brew interest in his farm-made cherry vinegar. And Caroline in California scouts new ways to cultivate curiosity around her plant-based dog food.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Hallstedt Homestead shares Leelanau County farm life, land, access and joy - 5/20/2026
By Sandra Serra Bradshaw, Contributor - Glen Arbor Sun
The Hallstedt Homestead is nestled near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, at the southern edge of Northport. Back in 2006, Phil and Sarah Hallstedt bought 53 acres of property on Matheson Road, some 400 miles away from their home in Indianapolis.
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Hansen Foods in Hart and MSU Product Center celebrate National Small Business Week by featuring new Michigan-made food products - 5/5/2026
By Kendra Wills, Michigan State University Extension
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Hansen Foods based in Hart, Michigan, has partnered with the Michigan State University Product Center and MSU Extension to introduce a selection of new packaged food products made by four emerging Michigan-based brands – Red Truck Orchards from Northport, Dip from Detroit, Bingo Roasters from Muskegon, and Smoke’N Butt’s BBQ from Grand Rapids.
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Hallstedt Homestead’s Red Truck Orchards pioneers whole-cherry vinegar - 4/27/2026
By Megan Huiskens and Josh Monroe at 9 and 10 News
The Hallstedt Homestead is gaining attention for its Red Truck Orchard cherry vinegar, a product made from whole cherries through a two-step fermentation process. This unique offering is now being featured in April by Cherry Republic, marking the first time the company has sold a non-proprietary item in its stores. Sarah Hallstedt, an owner of Hallstedt Homestead, stated that they believe they are the only producers in the United States making cherry vinegar in this specific whole-fruit method at a larger scale.
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Action Over Words - 4/22/2026
By Sarah and Phil Hallstedt, Co-Founders of Hallstedt Homestead Cherries and Red Truck Orchards
To the editor: Cherry Republic has been a big advocate for local cherry farms and once again they are demonstrating their support with actions over words. This summer they are featuring our Red Truck Orchards Cherry Vinegar in their stores to support our small cherry farm’s launch of this new product. This is the first time they are not only featuring but selling a non-Cherry Republic product.
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Tastemaker: Red Truck Orchards' Cherry Vinegar - 4/11/2026
By Anna Faller at The Northern Express
We love a powerhouse pantry staple, especially one with proven health benefits. Enter: the original Cherry Vinegar from Red Truck Orchards in Northport. Crafted from Montmorency cherries sourced from northern Michigan family farms (including Red Truck’s home orchard, Hallstedt Homestead Cherries), this small-batch vinegar starts as cherry wine before undergoing a two-step fermentation, complete with a uniquely-cultivated strain of acetobacteria.
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Local Stories | Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Hallstedt And Phil Hallstedt - 3/31/2026
By Anna Faller at The Northern Express
Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Hallstedt And Phil Hallstedt.
Sarah Hallstedt and Phil Hallstedt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our story starts with two young girls who were born in 1900 on the Leelanau Peninsula in Omena, MI. They became best friends, and moved together to Grand Rapids after 8th grade. Each married; one had all boys and one had all girls; one from each family married and were Phil’s parents!
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February Business News: The Folded Leaf Heads For TC, Red Truck Orchards Grows, Blue Bird Closes 'Til Spring - 2/2/26
By Craig Manning at Leelanau Ticker
A popular Leelanau County bookstore is relocating to Traverse City, a local cherry vinegar brand is expanding its footprint, and one of the county’s favorite restaurants has closed until spring.
Read the full article here
Recipes: Little Chef Favorites Inside the Ingredients (and quick pickling recipe!) - 1/24/26
By Nora Rae Pearl at Northern Express
Sometimes we all need to take a break from the seriousness of cooking and remember why we enjoy it in the first place. For these recipes, we’re welcoming in little chefs to inspire us for some creative eats.
Read the article and get recipes here
wtcm visits red truck orchards - 1/20/26
WTCM in Northport, MI
On the Road with Scot Michaels presented by Solitude Float & Wellness Spa along with Truck Norris sponsored by Steven's Propane Maple City takes us to Red Truck Orchards in Northport! We talked with Operations Director Sam Reese, and Co-Founder Sarah Hallstedt about all things Cherry Vinegar! Made right here in Northern Michigan, we learned all the uses, and benefits around this great tasting creation! Sold locally, and online at redtruckorchards.com
Read the full post from WTCM here
From Sugar Loaf To Local Sports, Here's Leelanau County's 2025 By-The-Numbers Breakdown - 12/26/25
By Craig Manning at Leelanau Ticker
4,300+: The current production capacity, in bottles per month, at Red Truck Orchards, the new cherry vinegar brand spun out of Hallstedt Homestead Cherries in Northport. Per owner Phil Hallstedt, Red Truck Orchards is up to six team members and has so far engaged 38 retail stores to carry its product.
Read the full article here
Businesses For Sale, Food Trucks In Solon Township, And Other Leelanau Business News - 11/26/25
By Craig Manning at Leelanau Ticker
Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, as part of the expansion of its Red Truck Orchards cherry vinegar brand, announced earlier this month that the vinegar will now be carried at all Tom’s Food Markets.
Read the full article here
PODCAST: Red Truck Orchards goes all in on cherry vinegar - 10/29/2025
By Brian Freiberger at The Leelanau Enterprise
Sarah and Phil Hallstedt, owners of Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, are also the founders of their newest business venture, Red Truck Orchards. With the cherry season being short and sweet, their newest project, cherry vinegar, will allow people to taste and enjoy local cherries all-year round.
Listen to the full podcast here
US farmers issue warning as crucial crop becomes harder to grow: 'I gamble every year - 10/22/25
By Laurelle Stelle at The Cool Down
The more we pollute our atmosphere, the more heat it traps, and the hotter our planet gets, the more unstable the weather becomes. That doesn't just mean rainy days or hot summers; it's having a severe impact on agriculture around the globe, including in the United States.
This year, one of the impacted regions is Northern Michigan, where cherry farmers are seeing only 60% of the expected yield, according to Fresh Plaza.
Read the full article here
This Northport Farm Is Shifting Into Full Commercialization Mode For Its New Cherry Vinegar - 10/6/25
By Craig Manning at Leelanau Ticker
October will be a month of quantum leaps for Leelanau County’s Red Truck Orchards.
The brand, which produces a cherry vinegar made with locally-grown cherries, soft-launched last summer and grew its presence at local farmers markets this year. Now owner Phil Hallstedt says the brand is “rapidly scaling up” production, which will involve full-scale online availability, shelf presence at local grocery and specialty stores, and even a retail presence downstate.
Read the article here
Northern Michigan Cherry Growers Face challenges from weather and trade - 9/18/25
By Sheldon Krause at 9&10 News
Northern Michigan cherry farmers say they’re on the tail end of a difficult season as the state warns that specialty crop production is reaching a tipping point.
Some growers are optimistic about the future of the fruit and exploring new forms of cherry products — but they say that their predictions only go so far in an industry rife with uncertainty.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said that last year, farms lost between 30 and 90% of their cherry crops due to severe weather events.
Read the article here
Cherries, visitors keep Omena busy - 7/16/25
By Leslie Disch at the Leelanau Enterprise
The 2025 Cherry-Palooza at Hallstedt Homestead Cherries was a great event! Owners Phil and Sarah Hallstedt gave very interesting introduction to the attendees before they sat down to enjoy a “cherry” creative lunch by Detroit-based, James Beard Award-winning chef, Jimmy Schmidt.
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Betting The Farm: Why A Northport Cherry Grower Is Going All In On Cherry Vinegar - 7/2/25
By Craig Manning at the Leelanau Ticker
Phil Hallstedt and his wife Sarah have a saying: “We don’t go to the casinos because we’re cherry farmers; we’re already gambling every day.” Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that the Hallstedts are willing to take a big bet in hopes of saving their farm, the U-pick cherry destination Hallstedt Homestead Cherries in Northport.
Read the article here
20Fathoms, Venture North Announce Recipients Of Joint Grant Program Awards - 5/20/2025
By Craig Manning at the Traverse Ticker
20Fathoms and Venture North have announced $75,000 in grants to small businesses in northern Michigan. The 17 grants, each worth approximately $4,500, were decided based on each company’s “strategic need for funds, as well as the expected impact on the local economy.” The announcement marks the second round of grants through this particular program, which launched last year.
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M22 Expands To Suttons Bay, Cedar Gets An Indie Bookshop; Other Leelanau Business News - 4/23/25
By Craig Manning at the Leelanau Ticker
Hallstedt Homestead Cherries in Northport will get a $100,000 grant from MDARD to convert one of its existing agricultural buildings to “a commercial processing facility for expanded cherry vinegar production and new product development.” The money is an investment in the fledgling Red Truck Orchards brand, a “new collective of farms producing an artisan cherry wine vinegar.”
Read the article here
Hallstedts Launch New Cherry Vinegar - 2/13/25
By Meakalia Previch-Liu at the Leelanau Enterprise
Sarah and Phil Hallstedt, owners of Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, are also the founders of their newest business venture, Red Truck Orchards. With the cherry season being short and sweet, their newest project will allow people to taste and enjoy local cherries all-year round.
Read the article here
Lively NeighborFood Market Opens, Hallstedt Homestead Cherries Launches New Product Line - 7/12/24
By Craig Manning at the Leelanau Ticker
Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, a U-pick cherry farm in Northport, announced it will serve as “the home farm of Red Truck Orchards, a new collective of farms producing an artisan cherry wine vinegar.”
Read the article here