WENATCHEE, WA - Time moves quickly in our industry when dealing with perishables, but the past two-year hiatus of the Global Produce & Floral Show felt like an eternity for those of us missing the event buzz. The need for in-person interaction will soon be filled as the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) brings the magic back to Orlando, Florida, once more. I got in touch with Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s Marketing Director, to learn more about the new variety, packaging, and facility the supplier will be highlighting in the City Beautiful.

“We are so excited to be back at the big show and to see the new format under the IFPA banner,” Brianna tells me. “Stemilt is home to World Famous cherries, stonefruit, apples, pears, and packaged and proprietary brands. Given the timing of the show and how it aligns with our different seasons, we will be focusing on apples and pears, with an emphasis on our leading Lil Snappers® kid-size fruit brand, Artisan Organics® program, and proprietary offerings like SweeTango® and our new Happi Pears®.”

New Happi Pears, you say? The grower will be showcasing its delectable fresh offering at the show for the industry to see. Stemilt is already working toward meeting anticipated needs with the groundbreaking of its new pear packing facility. Plans are already in the works to have some fun new variety tests that would shake up the apple category.

Packaging is also on the producer’s mind, as Stemilt will be highlighting its recently launched sustainable package called the EZ Band.

“The EZ Band brings four apples into a 100 percent recyclable pack made of paperboard to provide retailers and consumers with a grab-and-go pack that is EZ to stock and shop, and EZ on the Earth!” continues Brianna. “We continue to look at packaging and how we can increase sustainability in packaging, whether it be recyclable or made from sustainable materials…or hopefully both!”

As Brianna puts it, Stemilt exists to cultivate people and delight consumers. The grower is always focused on aligning that mission with the retail programs it is a part of.

“We hope to build upon the relationships we have, get inspired by what others are doing in the industry, and share some of the new and exciting things that Stemilt is innovating on in Orlando,” Brianna says. “We are excited to connect with retailers and the industry after quite a long time. This is a great time to meet in person, share information about the apple and pear crops ahead, and plan promotions to help retailers grow their categories alongside the crop realities.”

There is one more exciting element Brianna and I need to share: David Harris will be back, bringing his popular and magical entertainment flair to booth #3571!

Experience the magic and learn more about the grower’s expanding strategies from October 27 to 29 and stick with ANUK as we report.

Stemilt