WENATCHEE, Wash. – Stemilt’s 5 River Islands™ cherry brand and premium Rainier cherries are returning to grocery stores soon with large sizes and dessert qualities to offer consumers a memorable eating experience before the California cherry season wraps up in mid-June.
“While the volume of the 2018 California cherry crop was underwhelming for growers and retailers alike, both fruit size and qualities have made for overwhelmingly positive shopper experiences,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director. “That will continue in the final weeks of the California season because of two special offerings now available from Stemilt: California-grown Rainier cherries and 5 River Islands™ brand dark-sweet cherries.”
Harvest is underway now for Stemilt’s Rainier cherries, with a premium pack available now through June 9th. Pepperl said the company’s Rainiers were peaking on large sizes with nice color and exceptional flavors.
“Carrying our California Rainier cherries in stores the next two weeks will bring incremental sales to the produce department,” said Pepperl. “Opening shelf space now with these incredible eating fruits will also help in a seamless transition to Washington State’s Rainier cherry crop. It’s a great experience to offer your stores and your shoppers.”
This is the second year of availability for 5 River Islands™ cherries, which come straight from the California Delta, a well-known region of islands and waterways that are all connected by five rivers. Stemilt only packs large sizes and high-quality Lapins, a dark-sweet cherry variety, from the Delta region in this brand. 5 River Islands™ cherries are available in limited quantities now through mid-June.
“5 River Islands™ cherries share the story of the Delta region and how its waterways, lush soils, and California sunshine help us grow big cherries with world famous qualities,” said Pepperl. “This story resonates with shoppers and helps retailers tie items in their produce department back to the source. Making freshness and quality standout is the way to build impulsive cherry sales, which turns into repeat sales when the consumer enjoys the eating experience at home.”
The Lapin cherry variety grows exceptionally well in the Delta region. Stemilt selects its largest fruit with dessert qualities for specially marked 5 River Islands™ brand cherries in both clamshells and pouch bags. A high-graphic branded carton is ideal for merchandising the brand and story at store level. Stemilt also supports stores with digital assets to further announce the limited season for 5 River Islands™ to their shoppers.
“The size and qualities of Rainier and 5 River Islands™ cherries make now a great time to share these special items with your shoppers,” said Pepperl. “Retailers can earn dollars for their cherry category now, while building memorable experiences for shoppers that keeps cherries in the cart as the summer continues on.”
###
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 Growers
