WENATCHEE, Wash. – Just in time for peak cherry season in the Northwest, Stemilt is bringing back its signature program for premium cherries, called Kyle’s Pick™. Typically an early July program, the early start for Kyle’s Pick falls in line with harvest in Washington State, which is running about 10 days ahead of normal.
Stemilt reserves its best cherries – premium varieties like Skeena, and largest sized fruit with high firmness and dessert flavors – for specially marked Kyle’s Pick pouch bags in order to help retailers merchandise quality and drive repeat sales of cherries during the peak season.
“The Northwest cherry crop has been in a demand exceeds supply situation throughout June, and though promotions are starting up now, the industry anticipates a smaller crop of about 16-million boxes (20# equivalent). Merchandising is key during the cherry peak and promoting quality is the best way to differentiate your cherry program and help consumers make the impulse purchase decision that cherries are. This is what Kyle’s Pick is all about,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director.
Named after Stemilt co-owner and 4th generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison, this is the third season Kyle’s Pick cherries have been available. The program is built around quality-first fruit and helps retailers tell the story of the grower in order to tie the fruit back to the land, which is increasingly becoming a story that today’s consumers want to hear.
“Only the cherries that meet Kyle’s high standards for quality make it into Kyle’s Pick packs. The program is built around flavor and a dessert eating experience, and the exact qualities of cherries that Kyle harvests at his own orchards on the legendary Stemilt Hill in Wenatchee, WA during this timeframe,” said Pepperl.
Stemilt uses its state-of-the-art electronic packing lines to sort out cherries for Kyle’s Pick packs. The lines use high-definition camera imaging and computer software to digitally size and sort cherries based on set firmness, size, and sugar level standards. The company also reserves premium varieties, including Stemilt Hill Bings, Sweetheart, Skeena, and Staccato® cherries for Kyle’s Pick.
“Stemilt is the leading producer of Skeena cherries in Washington State and we are strategically planting more. This firm, deep red, large-sized and high-flavored cherry is the best variety available during this timeframe, and one that will deliver a great eating experience, and with it, sales in the cherry category,” said Pepperl.
Stemilt will pack Kyle’s Pick cherries until late July when it transitions to its high-elevation cherry package, called A Half Mile Closer to the Moon™ cherries. Moon cherries are grown primarily by Mathison at his Amigos Orchard in Wenatchee, WA which sit at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 feet above sea level. Just like Stemilt Hill in July, the unique Amigos growing locale remains cooler during the heat of the summer, and provides Stemilt with the latest freshly harvested cherries in Washington State. Stemilt will pack Moon cherries in late July and for the first two weeks in August this year.
“Retailers who promote size and dessert flavors will experience the best results during this unique Northwest cherry season, which is both early and in high demand. Stemilt’s signature late-season cherry programs, Kyle’s Pick and Half Mile Closer to the Moon deliver premium quality fruit and the stories to drive impulse and repeat sales,” said Pepperl.
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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 a leading shipper of sweet cherries and 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, and You Tube.
Source: Stemilt Growers
