Stemilt Growers Helps Retailers Grow Their Organic Programs
NASHVILLE, TN - Growing and selling apples is an art form as much as it is science and numbers. One company that can manage the balance with innovation and drive is Stemilt Growers. With SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo kicking off this week, Stemilt is sharing its key messaging for the show and what we can expect for this Wenatchee, Washington-based company.
“Stemilt is well into its new season for apples and pears, and that will be a big focal point for us at the show. Organics are a huge part of our overall program, with 2019 being our 30th birthday for our organic program, Artisan Organics™,” Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, shares with me. “Today, more than 30 percent of our entire apple crop is grown/certified organic with a focus on modern varieties and 40 percent of our overall Honeycrisp is organic, with other signature varieties like SweeTango® and Piñata® also topping 40 percent.”
Brianna adds that Stemilt grows lots of organic Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady®, too—all varieties that consumers want and will help retailers grow their organic categories. Helping to raise the bar in the category, Stemilt is excited to showcase fresh-off-the-tree organics, and also its family of brands, including Artisan Organics™ Lil Snappers® kid-sized pouch bags of organic apples and pears this year.
“Artisan Organics Lil Snappers are a great way to market intent to parents with young kids, who are also seeking organics,” Brianna says. “Organics are an expectation of consumers today, especially in produce departments. There is a big opportunity to grow organic sales of apples and pears at retail. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but rather, focusing on the 4Ps of marketing—price, product, placement, and promotion—and doing it often. Retailers can differentiate by offering modern varieties and ensuring great quality and eating experiences to bring their loyal organic shoppers—and those that shop occasionally—back for more.”
For Stemilt, this is actually the company’s first year attending, so the team is looking forward to finding out what the buzz is all about.
“SEPC puts on great events, and we are excited about the organic focus this show offers. We also know the produce industry will bring lots of energy to Nashville!” Brianna adds.
Check out Stemilt’s entire spread this week at SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo booth #117! Enjoy the show!
