Probably going out of business: The 103-year-old Liberty Orchards, maker of Aplets and Cotlets, announced it will cease operations this June after fruitless attempts to find buyers of the company.
If necessity is the mother of invention, that’s at the core of this enterprise. Farmers had lots of apple surpluses (to be expected in the Apple State), and someone had the idea of mixing bits of apples and walnuts into sugar-coated gelatin cubes of love. Something like Turkish delights.
Cotlets later joined the offerings, made from apricots.
The Cashmere, Wash., company has been owned by Greg Taylor for over 40 years. He’s 72 and is wanting to retire. None of his children are interested in continuing the business. Don’t fault them, though. I bet there’s not a bad apple in the whole bunch. They just have their own careers, that’s all.
The pandemic was not the reason for the closure, but it didn’t help. Potential buyers were reluctant to purchase during an uncertain economic climate.
The candies themselves aren’t big sellers. They’re not really well known outside the state. And for many people, their reputation is like fruitcake: They either love ‘em or hate ‘em. But the good part is they are gluten- and cholesterol-free.
If someone like a rich techy wants to save the jobs of around 55 workers, and have a lifetime supply of fruit delights, they have until May 31 to make an offer.
— Story and photos by David Carlos
Mountlake Terrace resident David Carlos often submits photos and videos profiling interesting places nearby
Do they want to leave the business in Cashmere or can it be moved say to Edmonds? I would not personally have any interest in buying a business in another city but someone might. Here might be a nice spot and it could also have other candies that are yummy and homemade right here. Candy making classes etc could be incorporated into a business like that. ANOTHER fun thing to do in Edmonds. I thinks someone here should speak with the owners of this doomed little delight and keep it alive here. Its all WA. SO you, guy who is nice and helps a lot., Buy this I will help you with set up and decor. Then we move forward. This would be a unique store for my little 5 corners rehab and make cook idea. And bring people up and down the hill. I love this idea. I already have enough ideas to fill the whole area there. with fun food intelligent activities and silly ones too. Again diversity requires more than talking about it. Come see me man with money!! I want to talk to you. Come for coffee in my backyard in 4 weeks. I will then be fully inoculated. I have a couple other things to show you you may find interesting and another idea I want to discuss too! All of my ideas will be for everyone. XO nice man. Deb
I cannot visualize a world without Aplets and Cotlets! They are a staple in our family’s diet.
Last month we made our very first visit to the Cashmere store. Very impressive.
I hope someone rescues the business from oblivion.
rch in Shoreline
Yes indeed i hope someone can rescue this business so much history here, and being gluten and cholesterol free is a big plus now
I’ve always loved Aplets & Cotlets, especially the fruit delights assortment. Hope someone buys the business and continues to produce them.
These have always been in my suitcase to take friends and family and in Christmas boxes. I even sent them to business colleagues in Romania. Please someone buy this business and continue the tradition.
I love this place, Andy is so great. Can’t just eat one for sure. Hopefully some one will see the money to be continued to be made. Continue to make this company a bigger part of history at Liberty Orchards.