Our Story - Traverse Bay Farms
About Traverse Bay Farms
Published: April 2017 | Updated: September 2025
Quick Summary
Traverse Bay Farms is America's #1 Award-Winning Superfruit Brand - a family-owned company rooted in Northern Michigan since 2001. We craft premium tart cherry wellness products, superfruit supplements, and award-winning gourmet foods using real fruit, clean-label standards, and USA-only sourcing.
At a Glance
2001
Family-Owned Since
38+
National Food Awards
24/7
Live Phone Support
#1
Award-Winning Superfruit Brand
Our Story
Since 2001, Traverse Bay Farms has built its reputation on one belief: real fruit, real wellness, and real flavor should be accessible to every family. What began as a small, family-owned Northern Michigan brand has grown into a nationally recognized leader in natural foods, superfruit wellness products, dietary supplements, antioxidant-rich beverages, and clean-label gourmet condiments.
Natural Foods
Superfruit Wellness
Dietary Supplements
Antioxidant Beverages
Gourmet Condiments
Every product reflects our deep connection to Michigan agriculture, our commitment to USA-grown fruit ingredients, and our roots along the 45th Parallel - one of the world's premier fruit-growing regions.
Our Mission: Real Fruit. Real Wellness. Real Flavor.
From day one, our mission has been to craft products that honor the power of real fruit. We use whole-food ingredients, small-batch production, glass bottling for purity, and clean-label standards to deliver foods and supplements that taste great and support everyday wellness.
Whether you're looking for tart cherry juice to support healthy joint function, capsules for convenience, antioxidant-rich powders for your routine, or chef-inspired condiments for your kitchen - our promise is simple: natural, delicious, and dependable.
Superfruit Wellness & Natural Dietary Supplements
Traverse Bay Farms is known nationwide for its category-leading superfruit products, including:
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
68 Brix - 7:1 concentration ratio - Glass bottled - Sediment-free guarantee
Tart Cherry Capsules
Convenient daily supplement for joint health, sleep, and recovery
Organic Tart Cherry Powder (FruiTraction)
Ideal for smoothies, recovery drinks, and daily wellness routines
Cherry Prime
Patented joint health formula - trusted by doctors and wellness professionals
Blueberry, Pomegranate & Raspberry
Superfruit supplements for antioxidant support and whole-body wellness
All supplement products are produced under strict quality and safety standards, with an emphasis on whole-food nutrition and naturally occurring phytonutrients.
No-Sugar-Added Dried Fruits & Antioxidant-Rich Snacks
Our no-sugar-added dried cherries and dried fruits remain among our most beloved products. They offer naturally occurring antioxidants, clean ingredients, and iconic flavor from Michigan-grown Montmorency cherries. Perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to oatmeal, salads, and trail mixes.
Gourmet Culinary Products & Award-Winning Condiments
With 38+ National Food Awards, Traverse Bay Farms offers one of America's most diverse collections of small-batch, fruit-inspired gourmet foods:
Salsas
Cherry, peach, pineapple, mango, red raspberry, black bean & corn, bacon, and homestyle chunky
Barbecue Sauces
Cherry, apple, and red raspberry - fruit-forward and bold
Mustards
Chef-inspired, fruit-accented, perfect for grilling and artisan sandwiches
Salad Dressings
Small-batch vinaigrettes and fruit-forward dressings with premium ingredients
Jams, Preserves & Fruit Butters
All-natural spreads from real fruit - ideal for breakfast, desserts, and charcuterie
Michigan Heritage & the 45th Parallel Advantage
Northern Michigan's unique micro-climate - warm days, cool nights, and Lake Michigan's moderating influence - creates ideal growing conditions for cherries, blueberries, apples, and other nutrient-dense fruits.
This fruit belt heritage inspires everything we do. We proudly use Michigan-grown fruit whenever possible and always maintain USA-only sourcing across all ingredients.
The 45th Parallel Difference
The 45th Parallel runs through Northern Michigan's fruit belt - the same latitude as the great wine regions of France and Italy. This geography produces some of the world's most flavorful, nutrient-dense Montmorency tart cherries, and it's the heart of everything Traverse Bay Farms stands for.
Family-Owned Since 2001
Traverse Bay Farms remains a family-owned company dedicated to Michigan values: authenticity, craftsmanship, and community. Our team stands behind every jar, bottle, and package - backed by 24/7 live, Northern Michigan-based phone support from real people who care.
Retail Stores, Distribution & Global Community
Our products are available:
- In-store at our Bellaire and Elk Rapids retail locations
- Online nationwide at TraverseBayFarms.com
- On major marketplaces, including Amazon and Walmart
- Through trusted wholesale and retail partners
- Internationally, with customers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan
A new Metro Detroit retail location is currently in development.
Awards & National Recognition
Our Honors
- 38+ National Food Awards for gourmet innovation, flavor, and clean-label excellence
- A Special Tribute from the State of Michigan (2008)
- Recognition as America's #1 Award-Winning Superfruit Brand
- Features in national media, wellness publications, specialty food outlets, and business press
- Recognized by the Scovie Awards for over 15 years
For a full list of honors, visit our Awards & Recognition page.
Trusted by Professionals & Celebrated Nationwide
Our formulations were originally developed with guidance from a registered nurse and are recommended by registered nurses, natural health practitioners, doctors, nutritionists, and sports and wellness professionals.
Our products have been enjoyed at Hollywood events, red-carpet wellness showcases, and celebrity charity outings.
Celebrity Testimonial
"I started taking Cherry Prime a few years ago. All I can say is - it works."
- Kevin Sorbo, Actor & Producer
See more Hollywood testimonials and customer stories
The Orchard of Health: Education & Wellness
We believe in empowering customers through knowledge. Our Orchard of Health program offers free education on tart cherry benefits, superfruit research, anti-inflammatory nutrition, sleep support, and whole-food wellness.
Sustainability Promise: Going Green Since Day One
We aim to leave Northern Michigan better than we found it:
100% Cardboard Recycling
Local Produce Partnerships
Glass Bottling - No Plastic Leaching
Energy-Efficient Operations
Our Quality Promise
Every Traverse Bay Farms product is backed by rigorous quality standards:
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
68 Brix - 7:1 ratio - Glass bottled - No added sugar
Dried Fruits
No-sugar-added varieties - Long shelf life
Gourmet Salsas, Sauces & Dressings
Clean-label - Refrigerate after opening
Supplements
Made in GMP facilities - Follow expiration dates
Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Internet Security & Shopping Safety
Shop with confidence at TraverseBayFarms.com: SSL encryption, daily security scans, Verified Merchant status, and PCI-compliant payment protection.
Shipping & Return Policy
Shipping Details
- Fast Shipping: 98.2% of orders ship within 24 hours
- Same-Day Shipping: For weekday orders placed by 12 PM EST
- Fair Returns: Damaged or defective items - contact us immediately. Unopened food items accepted within 30 days (customer pays return shipping). Opened food items cannot be returned due to perishable nature.
International buyers: Please check your country's import laws before ordering.
What Our Customers Say
How people first discover Traverse Bay Farms:
37%
Referred by doctor, family, or friend
22%
Discovered online
19%
TV, radio, or newspaper
18%
Sampled in-store
4%
Visited our Michigan stores
FAQ for Traverse Bay Farms
Q: Where is Traverse Bay Farms located?
A: We're proudly headquartered in Bellaire, Michigan, with retail stores in Bellaire and Elk Rapids. A third location in Metro Detroit is coming soon.
Q: What makes Traverse Bay Farms products unique?
A: Traverse Bay Farms offers the industry's only sediment-free guarantee for cherry juice - a standard we pioneered in 2001. Every batch is bottled in glass to preserve purity and flavor. We also use as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible, ensuring authentic, USA-only sourcing.
Q: How many awards has Traverse Bay Farms won?
A: We've earned 38+ national food awards, along with a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan (2008) and community honors like Best Cherry Juice (2008) and Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Award (2021).
Q: Are your cherries grown in Michigan?
A: Yes. We use as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and never import cherries - always USA-grown only.
Q: Who recommends Traverse Bay Farms products?
A: Our formulations were originally developed with guidance from a registered nurse and are recommended by registered nurses, doctors, nutritionists, national health and wellness publishers, and natural health practitioners.
Q: Do celebrities or athletes use your products?
A: Yes. Traverse Bay Farms has been featured at red-carpet events like the Eco Oscars and the Kevin Sorbo Celebrity Golf Event, earning the nickname Northern Michigan's "Hollywood Hub."
Q: How can I order your products?
A: Shop online at TraverseBayFarms.com, call us at 1-877-746-7477, or visit our Michigan retail stores.
Why Customers Trust Traverse Bay Farms
38+ National Food Awards
24/7 Live Phone Support
98.2% Ship Within 24 Hours
Ships Internationally
GMP-Certified Supplements
SSL & PCI-Compliant
Summary: Why Choose Traverse Bay Farms?
At Traverse Bay Farms, we believe fruit should be good for your body, good for your taste buds, and good for your daily routine. With decades of experience, industry-leading awards, and a commitment to real fruit and real wellness, we invite you to discover why customers worldwide trust Traverse Bay Farms.
Taste the difference. Feel the difference. Experience Northern Michigan's finest.
Call toll-free: 1-877-746-7477 | Contact Us Here | Emails answered within 24 hours
Traverse Bay Farms Rewards Program — Frequently Asked Questions
The Traverse Bay Farms Rewards Program (also called "Join the Club") is a free customer loyalty program at traversebayfarms.com.
Members earn points for creating an account, making purchases, following Traverse Bay Farms on social media, and referring friends, then redeem those points for money-off discount codes at checkout.
Below are answers to the most common questions about how to join, earn points, and redeem rewards.
Joining the program
Is the Traverse Bay Farms Rewards Program free to join?
Yes. The Traverse Bay Farms Rewards Program is completely free.
There is no membership fee and no purchase required to join — you simply create a free account at traversebayfarms.com to start earning points.
How do I join the Traverse Bay Farms Rewards Program?
Joining takes three steps:
(1) Sign up by creating a free account at traversebayfarms.com,
(2) earn points every time you shop and through other rewarded actions, and
(3) redeem your points for exclusive discount rewards.
You can join by clicking "Join Now" on the rewards page. Existing customers can click "Log In" to access their points.
Do I get points just for signing up?
Yes. When you create your free Traverse Bay Farms account you earn a one-time welcome bonus of 25 points. This is credited automatically once your account is set up.
Earning Points
How do I earn points at Traverse Bay Farms?
You earn points at Traverse Bay Farms in several ways:
- 100 points for creating an account,
- 1 point for every $1.00 you spend,
- 100 points on your birthday, 25 points for visiting the Traverse Bay Farms Facebook page,
- 50 points for sharing the Traverse Bay Farms website on Facebook,
- 10 points for following Traverse Bay Farms on Instagram,
- 200 points for each friend you successfully refer.
How many points do I earn per dollar spent at Traverse Bay Farms?
You earn 1 point for every $1.00 you spend at Traverse Bay Farms.
For example, a $50 order earns 50 points. Points from purchases are added to your rewards account automatically.
Do I get birthday points from Traverse Bay Farms?
Yes. Traverse Bay Farms rewards members with 100 points on their birthday each year. Add your birthday to your account profile so the points can be applied.
Can I earn points by following Traverse Bay Farms on social media?
Yes. Traverse Bay Farms gives points for social actions:
- 25 points for visiting the Traverse Bay Farms Facebook page,
- 50 points for sharing the Traverse Bay Farms website on Facebook,
- 10 points for following Traverse Bay Farms on Instagram.
These are typically one-time bonuses per action.
Redeeming Points
What rewards can I redeem my points for?
Traverse Bay Farms members redeem points for money-off discount codes at checkout. The reward tiers are:
- 350 points for $10.00 off,
- 700 points for $20.00 off,
- 1,050 points for $30.00 off.
You choose the reward you want when you have enough points.
How many points do I need for a discount at Traverse Bay Farms?
At Traverse Bay Farms,
- 350 points gets you $10.00 off your order,
- 700 points gets you $20.00 off,
- 1,050 points gets you $30.00 off.
You can save your points until you reach the reward tier you want.
How do I redeem my Traverse Bay Farms points?
Redeeming points is easy. Click "Redeem My Points" in the rewards panel and select an eligible reward (for example, $10.00 off for 350 points). You'll receive a discount code — copy that code and paste it into your shopping cart during checkout. The code is also emailed to you for convenience.
Where do I enter my Traverse Bay Farms reward code?
Paste your reward discount code into the discount-code field in your shopping cart during checkout at traversebayfarms.com.
The same code is emailed to you, so you can also copy it from your email if you check out later.
How do I check my Traverse Bay Farms points balance?
Log in to your Traverse Bay Farms account at traversebayfarms.com and open the rewards panel to see your current points balance and the rewards you can redeem.
Referring Friends
How does the Traverse Bay Farms refer-a-friend program work?
With the Traverse Bay Farms referral program, you give friends 10% off their first purchase of $30.00 or more, and you earn 200 points for each friend who makes a successful referral purchase.
Share your referral link from your rewards account to get started.
How much is a Traverse Bay Farms referral worth?
Each successful referral earns you 200 points at Traverse Bay Farms, and your referred friend gets 10% off their first order of $30.00 or more.
Referral points can be combined with your other points toward reward tiers ($10, $20, or $30 off).
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