WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt is offering retailers a new way to ramp up excitement and sales for the Piñata® apple with a recently unveiled consumer sweepstakes, joining other promotional activities in recent history, such as the “Meet the Growers” dinner in Seattle, New York, and Chicago, as well as Stemilt’s partnership with chef Ericka Burke.

“Reaching influencers in the food world and offering grocery shoppers a range of recipes helps inspire consumers to use Piñata apples in new ways,” said Brianna Shales, Communications Manager. “The ‘Slice of Paradise’ sweepstakes helps us raise awareness about the fruit’s availability in supermarkets and is a fun way to give back to the apple’s many fans.”

By entering the “Slice of Paradise” sweepstakes, available here, one grand prize winner will receive airfare for two to Maui, Hawaii, three nights and four days of hotel accommodations, and $500 in spending money for dining and activities, according to a press release.

Consumers can submit their entries now through February 5, 2016. A winner will be announced around February 12, 2016.

With roots that date back to Germany in the 1970s, the Piñata® apple is a cross between Golden Delicious and two heirloom varieties, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg. Stemilt is the exclusive marketer of this variety.

“Piñata’s parentage gives the fruit a great crisp texture, balanced sugars and acids, and hints of pineapple for that tropical finish,” Shales continued. “It’s a unique apple with a loyal consumer following that grows each year.”

Stemilt packs Piñata apples in a high-graphic, tropical-themed box with the fruit’s flavor profile, “classic apple flavors with a tropical twist,” messaged prominently.

Piñata apples are available from November to May each year, with nationwide availability starting in January.

Stemilt