Domex Superfresh Growers’ Dave Gleason and Mike Preacher Discuss Upcoming Apricot Season
YAKIMA, WA - The Domex Superfresh Growers' apricot orchards in Central Washington State are in full bloom, creating a sea of white as the grower looks toward a harvest expected to run from early July through mid-August.
“We’ve just passed full apricot bloom, where the maximum number of flowers are open,” described Chief Horticulturist Dave Gleason. “The aroma of the orchards is intoxicating. It’s wonderful.”
Running a little later than usual, Superfresh said in a press release that Washington State apricots can conveniently be added to cherry and apple orders. As we reported earlier this week, Dave himself said in his most recent orchard update that there is a lot growing in the region currently, with much in store.
Amongst the latest of its activities is the launch of the newest addition to its apricot offering: a bright, “sunshine-themed” one-pound fixed-weight pouch bag, designed to grab shoppers’ attention.
“Pouch bags are driving growth in the stonefruit category, including for 'cots. In the 52 weeks ending November 27, one-pound apricot bag dollar sales increased 57% and pounds increased 65%, according to IRI/FreshLook data,” said Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing.
Pouch bags are ideal self-merchandisers: Easy to display, portable, re-sealable, and prominently advertising the eating experience, the company described pouch bags as an ideal self-merchandiser.
Superfresh Growers offers flexible packaging options to retailers, including one-pound and two-pound clamshells, as well as random-weight 1.6 pound poly bags.
The company said that central Washington is the ideal location to grow apricots, feeding them with rich, fertile, volcanic soil, 300 days of sunshine, four distinct seasons, and a combo of hot days and cool nights.
Not only do apricots work well to sell to consumers as an eat-out-of-hand product; they also work in sweet or savory dishes. Some suggestions include being added to grilled kabobs, served on a cheese platter, or mixed in a salad.
Contact Mike Preacher for retail and social media kits, or for more ideas on pushing apricots, at [email protected].
