Stemilt Kicks Off Stonefruit Season; Brianna Shales Details
WENATCHEE, WA - I was in the grocery store the other day, and I literally sang out loud, “Stonefruit seasoooooon!” If you couldn’t already tell, I’m a big fan of the category. Stemilt has a healthy supply of organic stonefruit ready to wow shoppers, including its Artisan Organics™ peaches, nectarines, and apricots.
“Artisan Organics peaches, nectarines, and apricots are tree-ripened and picked at just the right time for maximum flavors,” said Brianna Shales, Marketing Director. “The Douglas family grows stonefruit for flavor and freshness first in eastern Washington state, where warm, sunny days help the fruit grow large and full of sugars.”
Apricot harvest began last week, picked for high sugars and explosive flavor that provides a delightful eating experience for consumers during the summer. Stemilt’s fourth-generation growers farm stonefruit in the Columbia Basin, where weather conditions are ideal throughout all four seasons.
“The unique thing about how the Douglas family farms peaches, nectarines, and apricots is how they harvest in small blocks to ensure fruit is evenly ripened and in its ideal harvest window,” said Shales. “This spring, we had good weather conditions during bloom that allowed healthy cell division. We’re expecting great sizes and flavors over the summer.”
Apricots will enter a peak shipping period in early July, a press release stated. Stemilt’s apricot crop is on par with last year’s volumes, with larger fruit sizes and great flavors.
“Promoting organic apricots in the July timeframe is a great way to capture organic dollars to the category, while also helping consumers enjoy a seasonal fruit,” said Shales.
August promotions on peaches and nectarines can take advantage of Stemilt’s Top Pick™ and premium white nectarine program for the end of July through the first few days of August. White nectarines are a niche, and Stemilt specializes in growing them organically for an elevated eating experience.
“It’s time to open up shelf space and start talking to consumers about what makes Stemilt Artisan Organics peaches, nectarines, and apricots unique,” says Shales. “Highlighting the Douglas family and their passion for organic growing through signage and POS will resonate with organic shoppers and encourage them to try something new this season.”
Now excuse me while I grab a white nectarine from the kitchen!
