Bags Out, Bulk In For Organic Apricot Sales

WENATCHEE, Wash. – It’s almost here. The season of baseball, boating and basking in the sun is coming, and summer’s official start also coincides with the harvest of one of the season’s most recognized flavors – apricots. With summer approaching, Stemilt Growers is encouraging retailers to start planning for the Artisan Organics™ apricot season and promotional window now.

“Time is of the essence,” states Brianna Shales, communications manager at Stemilt. “Planning needs to happen right now if retailers want to hit their stride in mid-June.” 

According to Shales, retailers planning organic apricot promotions that focus on bulk sales will see results. Stemilt’s apricot season will start around June 20th and run through the month of July, with the promotional window for loading apricots beginning June 25 and running through July 15. 

Shales also shared Stemilt’s apricot crop varies quite a bit compared to last year’s crop. 

“Sizing has done a complete reversal from last year,” states Shales. “While last year brought smaller sizes and increased bag promotions, this year bulk is in. Sizing is going to be large with apricots in panta packs.”

Approximately 60 percent of Stemilt’s apricot crop is grown and certified organic. Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ volume is heavy to the beginning of the season with the Robada variety. Stemilt recommends retailers kick off the season with organic apricots and a July 4th organic ad. Then, retailers can run organic and conventional ads as Rivals and Perfections become available after July 4th. 

“Our organic Robada apricots are known for their intense red blush and vibrant golden color,” states Shales. “With this year’s large sizing, they will stand out even more in the organic section. Merchandising apricots in a high traffic area is a great way to drive impulse sales during the July 4th holiday.” 

Following July 4th, focus shifts to Rivals and Perfections with retailers still able to emphasize organic. The post-holiday timeframe is ideal for bulk ads on both conventional and organic apricots, with sizes ranging from large to jumbo.  

“Encouraging consumers to buy organic through this promotion window will push volumes and elevate sales dollars,” states Shales. “The organic category is continuously growing, and it’s important that retailers offer that option to their consumers.” 

According to the Organic Trade Association, organic produce has been holding its position as the largest organic food category, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all organic food sales in 2016. 

“Organic share will continue to rise,” states Shales. “Apricots offer retailers a great summertime organic offering to support organic category growth.” 

Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ stone fruits, which also include peaches and nectarines, come from the Douglas family orchards in the southeastern region of Washington State. The Douglases transitioned to organic more than a decade ago, citing the arid climate with cool nights as the main reason why they can grow dessert-flavored fruit organically. 

“Summer is fast approaching and we are optimistic that the sizing, dessert flavors, and high percentage of organic apricots coming from the ideal Washington locale will make for a great season at retail. Plan now and promote big fruit in a big way as July rolls around.” 

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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 Growers