WENATCHEE, WA - When I think premium, I think Stemilt’s A Half Mile Closer to the Moon Premium High-Altitude Cherries®. With a name like that, they’ve got to be terrific! In the last week of July, these cherries will be packed, with an anticipated program duration through the month of August. It’s a key way for retailers to continue the cherry momentum that drives the summer months.

“The grand finale to cherry season is here, and these cherries have impeccable flavor, wonderful aromatics, and a great balance of acids and sugars,” stated Brianna Shales, Senior Marketing Manager. “Fourth generation Stemilt cherry grower, Kyle Mathison, once again proves his skill in growing the biggest and sweetest cherries in the Northwest.”

Mathison grows these cherries at his Amigos Orchards in Wenatchee, Washington, a press release noted. According to that statement, the Amigos has the perfect climate for growing late-season cherries thanks to its high elevations, cool summer days, chilly nights, and excellent soil conditions. Mathison also applies his own compost to his trees, which give the trees an extra boost of nutrients.

“Kyle’s experience in growing late-season cherries is obvious due to the program’s success,” explained Shales. “He is so in touch with his crop that he even tries to align his harvest with the days leading up to the full moon. That’s August 3 this year, [which is] perfect timing. Thanks to Kyle’s creative harvesting methods, we’ve built an amazing brand story and support it with various marketing strategies, including the creation of National Chant at the Moon Day on August 15. It’s a holiday dedicated to celebrating this unique cherry pack and the moon’s power. It’s a fun way to engage the consumer and create brand recognition.”

Mathison has found that the extra gravitational pull from the pending full moon enhances nutrient delivery from the root of the trees to the fruit hanging from its branches. This extra gravitational pull results in harvesting fruit with amazing quality.

The National Chant at the Moon Day is supported through social media marketing and influencer programs, all of whom are carefully selected to best represent the Moon cherry brand through their various social media platforms. Stemilt will also support in-store sales with geo-targeted social ads that will target social media users in major Moon cherry markets.

“Stemilt has plenty of resources to help retailers promote these Moon Cherries at store level,” Shales remarked. “This brand and the efforts that go into promoting it can really elevate your category. As a high-ring item, Moon Cherries have phenomenal quality that can really drive impulse sales. They leave consumers with a memorable eating experience every time.”

A Half Mile Closer to the Moon are available in various packaging options including random weight pouch bags, 1 lb and 2 lb clamshells, and 1 lb and 2 lb TopSeal.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to speed on the latest in fresh fruit.

Stemilt