Stemilt Details Promotable Apricot Volume and Increased Size; Brian Evans Comments
WENATCHEE, WA - It’s stonefruit time! Courtesy of Stemilt’s Washington apricot crop, retail displays and produce aisles will be bursting with the sweet scent of summer from mid-June through July, with promotion windows starting July 4 onwards.
“We’ll have good volume and sizes of Artisan Organics™ apricots this year, which means now is the perfect time to prepare for upcoming promotion windows,” said Brian Evans, Senior Sales Manager. “We’re seeing signs of strong cell division post-bloom, which shows improved quality and size from the previous crop.”
Big fruit brings big attraction. With backyard BBQs, outdoor gatherings, and Fourth of July celebrations just around the corner, Stemilt is preparing retailers on how to promote apricots starting in mid-June.
“With larger size fruit on the way, catch-weight bags are going to be your best friend for promoting apricots,” continued Evans. “Fourth of July will be a good time to first bring attention to apricots, leading into another key promotion window in the second and third weeks of July. We encourage retailers to carry organic apricots to fill organic space and offer a value opportunity that shoppers will look for during produce inflation.”
Apricots continue to be a popular fruit choice for children who enjoy sweet, mellow flavors. With the cool nights and long, hot days in Washington, the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness can be found in the grower’s apricots.
The Douglas family grows all of Stemilt’s apricots, peaches, and nectarines 100 percent organically in Pasco, Washington, in the Columbia Basin. As noted in the release, the natural rain shadow in this area makes for an optimal location to grow stonefruit. Each year, the family is committed to using only the best practices to pick fruit at just the right stage of ripeness for the best flavor, quality, and size.
“We can help bring new shoppers to the organic category with apricots by picking fruit that’s going to delight with quality flavors and sizes,” stated Evans. “Promoting organics with a seasonal fruit like apricots is a great way to see growth in the category, and we’re excited to help retailers see success this summer with Artisan Organics branded fruit.”
Fireworks are already popping off in the produce aisles, and ANUK can’t wait to see what comes up next.
