Champlain Orchards
Champlain Orchards is a family-owned, ecologically managed orchard nestled in the heart of Shoreham, Vermont. Founded in 1998 by Bill Suhr, the orchard began with a vision to live sustainably off the land and has grown into one of Vermont's oldest continuously operating orchards, offering over 115 varieties of apples and a diverse range of fruits, including peaches, pears, plums, cherries, nectarines, and berries.
Champlain Orchards is committed to sustainable farming practices and is proudly powered by solar energy. The orchard is EcoApple certified, ensuring that all fruit is grown using low-input, environmentally friendly methods.
This case study examines Olive & Milo's partnership with Champlain Orchards, from rebranding to re-establishing their presence on social media. This is a story of how they revitalized their brand through strategic digital storytelling, enhancing their online presence and equipping them with the tools to sustain and expand their marketing efforts moving forward.
Photography: Chadwick Estey
Bringing Nature Online
Back in 2018, we collaborated with the owner, Bill, the marketing team at Champlain Orchards, and Ruthless & Wellington to help lead a full-scale rebrand and craft a modern social media strategy that truly reflected the heart of the orchard. From the beginning, our shared goal was to ensure the entire process stayed grounded in Champlain Orchards' core vision and values.
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The result was more than just a new look. It was a revitalized identity with a strong foundation to build a compelling digital presence. Fast forward to 2022, our team at Olive and Milo reconnected with Champlain Orchards to bring that vision to fruition online. Because we were part of the conversation from the start of the rebrand, transitioning into the social media strategy felt natural.
Photography: Chadwick Estey
This next phase focused on execution, transforming strategy into storytelling and the brand into an experience.
By highlighting these offerings on social media, Olive & Milo helped Champlain Orchards connect with a broader audience, showcasing not just the products but the experiences that make the orchard unique.
PYO (Pick Your Own)
Visitors can roll up their sleeves and harvest fresh fruit straight from the trees
Live Events
Lively lineup of events throughout the year, blending seasonal festivals, live music, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings
Farm Markets
Local favorites such as maple syrup, apple butter, and an array of unique products from nearby artisans and vendors
Cider Garden
Seasonal space where ciders are enjoyed, lawn games are played, and movies are screened under the stars
Services provided
Post Creation
Community engagement
Strategy
Social media account management
On-site content capture
Paid social
Consulting
Reporting, data analysis & auditing
Our relationship involved weekly conversations and in-person visits. However, what made this partnership truly unique was the nature of the work, literally. Everything was dictated by the ebb and flow of the climate. Communication had to be agile and responsive because things changed quickly. One day, it might be, "Hey, the cherry blossoms bloomed. Can you be onsite tomorrow?!" The urgency was real, driven by the fleeting beauty of the crops and the spontaneous excitement of the people who came to see them.
We had to build a communication style that could keep up. That kind of real-time storytelling doesn't always happen naturally. It takes intention. We worked closely with the Champlain Orchards team to help them understand not only what to say but also when and why. Timeliness and relevance are essential for keeping their audience engaged and their content meaningful.
Photography: Chadwick Estey
Results
Created a streamlined seasonal strategy
Increased traffic to the website & shop
Increased net follower growth by 5x on Facebook & Instagram in the first ten months
Improved daily incoming and outgoing engagement
Executed successful campaigns driving customers to several new initiatives & services offered by Champlain Orchards
Photography: Chadwick Estey
On Nature's Time
Rooted and Rising
This project is close to our hearts, as it reflects what being a Vermonter is all about: strong community ties, love for the land, and a deep commitment to supporting local.
As part of this journey, Olive and Milo managed the orchard's social presence, engaging with guests and locals alike, sparking conversations online, responding to comments, and serving as a welcoming gateway for anyone curious about the Vermont experience.
We can't wait to see how they continue to blossom and thrive in the seasons ahead!
Photography: Chadwick Estey