CHELAN, WA - “Just come and see us! You won’t be disappointed.” This is where Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing for Chelan Fresh, leaves off as we wrap up our conversation about what the supplier has in store for attendees of this year’s Viva Fresh Expo. With a portfolio of premium apple and cherry varieties to showcase, and alluring packaging to match, I am fully backing Mac’s statement.

“We’ll be highlighting our Sugar Bee®, Rockit™, and KORU® apples during the show, and showcasing the uniqueness of our exclusive varieties,” Mac shares. “These apples have amazing consumer appeal. We know shoppers are excited about the premium varieties we offer, and we want to work with retailers to create awareness at the store level.”

In addition, Chelan Fresh will be showing off its eye-catching cherry packaging, which houses its Orondo Ruby, Sweet, and Rainier cherries. With an inventive design created to make the cherries stand out from red grapes in retail displays, the 1 lb clamshell is a perfect vehicle for its fan-favored products.

“If you really want to differentiate your cherry category, carry the Orondo Ruby cherries for a few weeks, then carry the Sweet cherries for a few weeks to keep shoppers’ attention,” Mac advises. “They’re unique tasting, they do well at retail, and they have a good shelf-life.”

As these varieties are already sure to entice shoppers with their packaging and quality, Mac also notes the importance of driving shopper awareness at the store level.

“Cherries are an impulse item, and sometimes shoppers don’t even realize there are cherries in the store until clear into the middle of July,” Mac explains. “So we really want to work with retailers to increase awareness through all of the different channels available. We invite those kinds of conversations at the show.”

For more details, make a stop by booth #602 at the Viva Fresh Expo. And for more industry updates, leave a tab open for AndNowUKnow.

Chelan Fresh