WENATCHEE, Wash. – An early spring in Washington State will equate to the earliest start on record for Stemilt Growers and its premium organic apricot program. Stemilt, Washington’s leading apricot grower and shipper, will begin apricot harvest on June 10th, which is nearly two weeks earlier than normal.
The 2015 crop is down 10% from last year’s large volume crop, but with the early spring and the warm weather that came with it, will lean towards jumbo sizing and be very high-quality. Stemilt’s apricot program is heavy on organic fruit, with approximately 65% of its apricots grown and certified as organic.
“Our organic apricot program is centered on flavor-first fruit. Natural farming methods combine with our ideal arid orchard locales to produce large, dessert flavored Artisan Organics apricots,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director.
According to the Organic Trade Association, organic food sales in the U.S. recently broke a record, totaling $39.1 billion in 2014, or an 11% increase year-over-year. Fruits and vegetables make up more than one-third of all organic food sales, and are the leading organic category. Stemilt’s summer fruit program has been centered on organic since transitioning peach, nectarine, and apricots to organic back in 2007. The company’s entire crop of peaches and nectarines is organic.
“Consumer demand for organic fruits continues to grow,” said Pepperl. “Stone fruits are an important part of the produce department each summer and carrying smaller items like apricots organically is a great way for retailers to maximize sales both within the organic category, and the entire produce department. Promoting flavor alongside organic is the way to win over consumers,” said Pepperl.
The peak season for Stemilt’s organic apricots will run from June 22nd to July 10th. The early timing this season makes jumbo-sized apricots a great item to include in Fourth of July ads. Retailers can begin loading apricots in early June and increase volumes for promotions later in the month and into early July.
“Stemilt is heavy in premium apricot varieties like Rival and Perfection, which will harvest during the peak timeframe and offer consumers a great eating experience,” said Pepperl.
Aside from carrying organic apricots, proper merchandising of apricots is important in order to drive impulse sales, Pepperl noted. Building endcap displays, telling the grower’s story through signage, and running in-store specials are all great ways to capitalize on a flavor-first and organic apricot program, and all things Stemilt supports its customers on with its Artisan Organics apricots.
“Consumers want to know who, where, and how their food was grown, especially on organic produce items,” said Pepperl. “Our apricots are grown by the Douglas family, who has farmed fruit for four generations. Sharing their passion and commitment to organics through in-store vehicles, social media, email marketing and more will elevate the great quality apricots featured in your stores, and most importantly, boost sales this summer.”
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About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of organic tree fruits. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com and follow Stemilt on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube.
Source: Stemilt