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By Ramona Frances

Pomegranates sit, waiting to be sorted and sold in a growing industry.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

As the taste of pomegranates now in season attracts consumer interest, yet there are those in the industry still facing challenges - which include new tree growing practices - as well as introducing and expanding the fruit use.

"We want added value by processing pomegranates in different forms for the consumer," said Brad Miller of the new Madera based company, Stiebs Pomegranate Products.

"We consider this a consumer centric business - we entered into this, wanting to know what consumers want," Miller said.

By "we" Miller means himself and Jerry Pantaleo, a juice processor linked to Golden Valley Winery. Even though Golden Valley Winery does not have pomegranate or a even a wine tasting room, the business is a quintessential member of Madera Vintners Association.

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Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.