WENATCHEE, WA - Ever popular for its spuds and cabbage, St. Patrick’s Day might also have some roots in apple growing. Stemilt Growers is encouraging retailers to make their own Orchard Country, much like St. Patrick is rumored to have done, when legend says he planted apple trees at an ancient settlement east of Armagh now known as Ireland’s Orchard Country.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a great holiday to promote apples because there continues to be fresh supplies of multiple varieties available,” said Brianna Shales, Communications Manager for Stemilt, suggesting that now is the time to begin planning multi-variety ads. “Retailers should schedule a multi-variety ad right now and plan for visually stimulating displays with lots of color that feature many popular apples starting the week of March 12.”

According to a press release, Shales and the Stemilt team advise retailers to plan ads around five or more varieties, including:

• Gala
• Red Delicious
• Fuji
• Golden Delicious
• Granny Smith
• Piñata®

Shales suggested the company’s popular bagged apple brands for St. Patrick’s Day promotions, emphasizing that larger sizing is in high demand for many apple varieties.

“Convenience is a strong desire of shoppers right now, and the smaller size profile of varieties like Fuji and Gala make for great opportunities to run Lil Snappers® 3 lb. pouch bag or 5 lb. Apple Lover pouch bag promotions,” she said, adding an opportunity for retailers to capitalize on organic apple opportunities. “Our Artisan Organics™ brand recently expanded to include organic Apple Lovers, and we also have our health-focused juicing apple line, Fresh Blenders™, as well as Lil Snappers® available organically. Creating a vibrant display with smaller sized organic Granny’s in bags is a great way to feature the green color in that multi-variety ad.”

During this key promotional period, the grower offers a number of options to assist retailers.

 “From recipes to in-store displays like There’s An Apple For That, Lil Snappers® and more, we have many tools to help retailers plan exciting St. Patrick’s Day promotions,” stated Shales. “Building visual displays and placing those displays in high traffic areas will boost sales and volumes during this key promotional period making the retailer’s sales dollars soar.”

In addition to apple dollars to be had, Stemilt reminds that retailers could also tap into the pear category during St. Patrick’s Day promotions and fold in ads around d’Anjou pears.

“D’Anjou pears would be a great liner with apple ads or in-store St. Patrick’s Day special,” said Shales. “The 5lb. Rushing Rivers™ pouch bag is convenient for shoppers, as it is easy to grab-and-go and the d’Anjou pear is a versatile, winter pear variety that will complement this apple themed promotion perfectly.”

Keep an eye out for more green options for your holiday push with AndNowUKnow.

Stemilt Growers