Washington Company That Makes Aplets and Cotlets Candies Finds Buyer | Eater Seattle

"I'm heartened to know Liberty Orchards, the 100-year-old maker of Aplets and Cotlets, has found a buyer after announcing it would cease operations by June 1; the company posted a statement on its website and Facebook on May 28 saying it will remain open and continue normal operations until negotiations are concluded, though the buyer's identity wasn't disclosed. The candies themselves are fruit- and walnut-filled confections coated in powdered sugar (similar to Turkish delights) that Liberty Orchards began producing in the early 20th century to use surplus apple and apricot crops and first advertised in the Seattle Times in 1921; they became ubiquitous across Washington and even prompted a failed 2009 legislative effort to declare them the state's official candy. The company had been seeking a buyer for years — a search hindered by the pandemic and by a lack of interest from younger family members — and is led by 72-year-old president Greg Taylor, grandson of co-founder Armen Tertsagian. Although Liberty Orchards hasn't always had the best relationship with the local community (it once threatened to leave Cashmere unless the town promoted the brand), the town later named two streets after Aplets and Cotlets, and mayor Jim Fletcher said the company is part of Cashmere's identity and has strongly supported local events and civic groups." - Gabe Guarente