WENATCHEE, WA - When my husband asked me what I wanted from the store last night, one of my first requests was cherries. But he couldn’t recall seeing the popular stand-out displays, which made me question if it was time yet. And I am a member of the produce industry.

We know every season is unique, with timing ebbing and flowing. As a result, retailers tell shoppers when it’s time to fill our baskets and with what.

“This year is a unique season, but what cherry season isn’t?! California’s late timing combined with Washington’s on-time start has delivered good supplies of cherries this June. Our first peak is here and it lines up perfectly for promotions leading up to and during July 4!” Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s Marketing Director, said excitedly. “We are seeing supreme quality with Rainiers, Dark Sweets, and organic cherries that will give consumers an excellent eating experience. Moving cherries to prime locations in the store, expanding display space, increasing cherry assortment by carrying all SKUs, and making sure those displays are full are proven ways to boost sales and maximize profits for this exciting season.”

Consumers are especially primed as last year’s cherry season was a tighter one in Washington State. Compounded with pricing that will compare well to the premium quality cherries are seeing now, it sounds like this will be an indulgence within shoppers’ means to satisfy; giving themselves a pleasure they don’t have to be too guilty about is the perfect offering amid cautious spending.

“Cherries are a practical luxury that shoppers will eat with their eyes first, but more importantly, quality will delight and no money will be wasted, ensuring repeat purchases,” Brianna pointed out.

As this dynamic season continues to unfold, AndNowUKnow will report the latest. Meanwhile, I have a cherry run to make!

Stemilt