WENTACHEE, WA - The advent of summer marks the start of increased shopper demand for stonefruit. As the organic sector continues to remain popular amongst consumers as well, Stemilt has buyers covered, revealing the start of its Artisan Organics™ stonefruit season. Currently, the grower is offering 100 percent certified organic peaches and nectarines that will make a splash in the produce department with good sizing and wonderful color.

“Our stonefruit managed the heat well which resulted in some exceptionally high sugar levels for these early season varieties,” explained Brianna Shales, Director of Marketing. “The color is also very vibrant, so it shines right off the tree. Plus, there is a range of sizing available. It’s going to be a good year for stonefruit.”

As the season kicks off, Stemilt’s early peach varieties include Sierra Rich, Zee Lady, and August Lady, while the grower’s Summer Flare series encompass the early nectarine offerings, according to a press release.

Starting the last two weeks of July and into the first week of August, retailers will have the chance for bulk and bag peach and nectarine promotions. Other peak promotional periods for peaches include mid-August and early September and late August and early September for organic nectarines.

“There will be plenty of opportunity to boost your stonefruit category for the remainder of the summer,” added Shales. “However, it is important you start early and opt for bags at the start when smaller fruit is available, and then follow it up with big, beautiful jumbo organic peaches and nectarines in the latter half of the season.”

In terms of bag offerings, peaches and nectarines are available in Stemilt’s 2 lb organic Lil Snappers^® pouch bags or the Artisan Organics^™ grab-and-go pouch bag made from 100 percent recyclable material.

“The grab-and-go tote serves as a great vehicle to sell bulk sizes with limited contact,” Shales continued. “It encourages consumers to purchase more fruit, making it a great way to move volume for a good price. Plus, it’s easy to check out, as the cashier will use the PLU sticker on the fruit to ring up the bag.”

For retailers looking for traditional bulk purchasing methods for peaches and nectarines, large and jumbo sizing will be plentiful, and both categories can be packed in 1-layer euro, 2-layer metric or euro, and volume fill. Stemilt also has its premium organic peach and nectarine Top Pick^™ program available.

Top Pick is packed in a 1-layer panta pack that reserves the highest quality fruit with high brix and Stemilt’s signature World Famous flavor. The packaging design across the program is bold and bright, making it stand out in the produce aisles.

“Top Pick includes fruit that comes from the top and upper parts of the tree, which typically have the best colors and flavors. Because the program only offers the very best fruit, it removes the guessing game for the consumer and they can purchase stonefruit confidently,” said Shales. “As a premium program, Top Pick will delight consumers as well as give retailers the opportunity to showcase some of the best summer fruit available. All of our stonefruit is grown in a region that is ideal for growing organics.”

To produce its high-quality organic stonefruit, Stemilt partners with the Douglas Family located in Pasco, Washington. The region of the state provides a great locale to grow organics due to dry climate, hot days, and lack of fog and moisture. The Douglas family has been farming in the region for decades, and experienced in growing stonefruit have perfected growing practices.

“The Douglas Family is methodical in their growing habits, waiting until sugar levels and ripeness are just right before they harvest,” commented Shales. “If fruit isn’t meeting their standards, they will come back and pick an additional one or two times if the fruit needs more time on the tree. Their patience pays off because Stemilt’s Artisan Organics stonefruit is exactly what your category needs to thrive.”

If quality organic stonefruit is what your consumers are searching for, get in touch with Stemilt today.

For more seasonal updates from across the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow has you covered.

Stemilt