WENATCHEE, WA - Nearly one year after Stemilt Growers launched its “Kitchen Council” program in April 2015 to build engagement with consumers, the company is reflecting back on all it has achieved.

“As the first year of the Kitchen Council comes to a close, it’s great to look back and see how our talented bloggers used Stemilt fruits and branded products in fresh and new ways to help inspire our growing network of consumers to enjoy our apples, pears, cherries, and summer fruits,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt's Communications Manager. “It was a successful year for this new program and we look forward to expanding the Kitchen Council in years to come.”

Each month, Stemilt sent its fruit to three bloggers to create original content, whether it be a recipe, a tablescape, or even tips and tricks. This content was shared throughout Stemilt’s online and social media channels including The Stem blog. 

According to a press release, more than 40 blog posts, 30 original recipes, and 75 social media mentions from the bloggers have reached more than one million consumers and helped garner over 75,000 pageviews to The Stem in 2015 since the introduction of the “Kitchen Council.”

Members of the inaugural “Kitchen Council” program and their top post of 2015 include:

Coryanne Ettiene

Ettiene is a food and lifestyle expert featured everywhere from AOL, Huffington Post, Kitchen Daily, More Magazine¸ Better Homes and Gardens, and Traditional Home. Coryanne lives in Dallas, TX, with her husband, three children, a dog, cat and two feisty chickens. 

Her most popular post was this Egg Free Cherry Ice Cream Recipe.

Holley Grainger, MS, RD

Grainger is a former Nutrition Editor for CookingLight.com and MyRecipes.com, and has instructed millions of home cooks how to make simple, healthy, family-friendly meals. Featured on hundreds of TV and radio segments nationwide, Holley lives in Birmingham, AL , with her husband and two daughters.

Her most popular post was her Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Pinata Apple & Mango Salsa.

Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD

Kuzemchaka is Registered Dietician, educator, author, and mother. Sally has been published in Parents, Prevention, Self, Family Circle, Fitness, Shape, Health, Eating Well, Ladies’ Home Journal and The Chicago Tribune. 

Her top post in 2015 was a Homemade Apple Vinaigrette published in May in honor of National Salad Month.

As a thank you to the brands she’s partnered with over the past year, Grainger recently hosted a giveaway to help her readers kick off the year with a healthy lunchbox. Stemilt provided both d’Anjou pears and Piñata apples for the giveaway. Piñata is Stemilt’s signature apple variety, and showcases a classic apple flavor with a tropical twist.

For more information and additional blog posts from the Kitchen Council, visit www.stemilt.com/blog/.

Stemilt Growers