WENATCHEE, WA - As we blow past February into March (at seemingly breakneck speeds), anticipation of Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure only continues to grow. The best of the produce industry will be there, presenting a smorgasbord of fruits and veg. On the conference floor there are some companies offering up products that are sure to turn heads. Stemilt is one such company that will be serving up a plethora of eye-catching fruit. Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, spoke with me about the produce that Stemilt will be showcasing at the conference.

“It’s always great when we can connect with our customers, and SEPC offers a fun platform to do that,” Brianna said. “It’s an ideal time of year for us to share the latest with our cherry, stonefruit, and organic programs and continue to share the new flavors our apples and pears are offering.”

The company will be featuring its Artisan Organics program, which has been going strong for 30 years! In addition to being the first company to get ahead of the trends and jump headfirst into organics, Brianna told me, it also continues to be at the forefront, growing organic, modern apple varieties along with a robust organic summer fruit program. As if that wasn’t enough, Stemilt’s entire crop of nectarines and peaches is grown and certified organic—and has been for over ten years. The company is also a big supplier of organic cherries.

Stemilt will feature a range of enviable fruits at the conference including its Lil Snappers® brand of kid-sized fruit which offers retailers a platform to share the fruit’s convenience and flavor, building the next generation of apple and pear enthusiasts. The company has been focused on increasing the flavors and eating experience of its Rushing Rivers® pears, as well as sharing strategies with retailers on how to boost pear performance. Stemilt will also be featuring its Piñata® apples, a signature variety for the company, and one of the best culinary apples on the market.

Southern Exposure comes just in time for Stemilt to highlight its extra-sweet Skylar Rae® cherries, also a signature variety, providing retailers with another cherry SKU to promote during the upcoming cherry season. Stemilt’s cherry season runs May through September, and the company will be implementing its start-to-finish program that includes great brands to drive impulse purchases of cherries.

For exhibitors, Southern Exposure is not just a way to promote individual products, but a way to communicate a company-wide ethos.

“Stemilt is home to unique programs and brands that can help retailers drive more dollars to their categories. We are a long-time leader in organics, cherries, and more, but not resting on our laurels. We have lots coming down the pipeline and many ways for our partner retailers to be on the leading edge of the evolving world of apples, pears, and cherries,” concluded Brianna.

To get a look at these tempting fruits, stop by booth #711 at Southern Exposure, March 7-9.

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Stemilt Growers