Stemilt Growers Welcomes Start of Apricot Season
WENATCHEE, WA - Nothing quenches thirst after a long summer’s morning hike quite like a bite into a juicy apricot, if you ask me. Lucky for retailers, consumers can look to them for Stemilt’s apricots, which are now debuting this season in a big way. The company encourages retailers to jump right into promotional windows to kick off Artisan Organics™ and conventional apricots’ smoldering hot sales.
“Mid-June is here and retailers should be actively promoting these jumbo apricots we are packing right now,” Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, shared. “Retailers can start loading today and plan on loading apricots through July 15.”
What’s even better is this season’s crop is heavy, the company shared in a press release. Grown in the southeastern portion of Washington state by the Douglas family, this season's fruit is larger in size and retailers have the opportunity to hop on bulk sales as they promote. Panta packs are the primary pack type for Stemilt’s apricots, as the eye-catching coloring and organic availability entices consumers this season.
“Our Artisan Organics apricots are well-known for their eye-catching blush and bright golden color,” said Shales. “This year will be no exception and, in a complete reversal of last season, large fruit sizes are much more prevalent this year.”
With certified organics making up about 60 percent of Stemilt’s apricot production, the apricot-providing company suggests promotions to boost organic sales, with the organic Robada variety taking center stage. The deep red blush and juicy bite is a crowd-pleaser. A specific way that retailers can push promotions is to run a July 4th organic ad and continue organic and conventional ads highlighting Rivals and Perfections when they make their way into produce aisles for Independence Day.
“Encouraging consumers to buy organic is important if retailers want to push volumes and elevate sales dollars,” Shales said. “We all know organic is a category that is constantly growing, so taking advantage of these seasonal summer fruits will keep that sales boost going.”
Looking to really put on a show for your customers? Stemilt suggests merchandising opportunities that wow by building displays in high-traffic areas with Artisan Organics panta packs, as well as grower-centric POS featuring the Douglas family to showcase a story that ties the produce back to the land from which it is grown.
These are just some ways the company recommends making its Artisan Organics apricots the belles of the produce aisle ball, as consumers gear up for summer parties and more. The company also suggest promoting its peaches and nectarines. The arid climate, with its cool nights and sunny days, creates a great environment for the produce to grow organically, according to the press release.
To really drive home that Stemilt is there for its customers, it brings a plethora of marketing materials to the table, as it endeavors to put its stonefruit Artisan Organics in the spotlight.
“Our team can offer retailers everything they need to make their displays successful, fun, and help move volumes. We can also offer them plenty of digital and print resources, including toolkits, targeted social media ads, signage, POS, and more,” Shales said. “Between the climate and the Douglas family’s growing experience, we have an ideal combination for success. And if retailers are looking to make a mark in their stonefruit category, Artisan Organics apricots are the way to do just that.”
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