SEATTLE, Wash. – California Giant Berry Farms and Stemilt Growers teamed up last night in Seattle, Washington to host a fresh fruit inspired cocktail party exclusively for food bloggers. Tom Douglas, a star chef, Seattle restaurateur, and two-time James Beard award winner, and Jody Hall, owner of the popular Cupcake Royale in Seattle, inspired the crowd of 125 food bloggers during the event.
Douglas encouraged bloggers to “follow their passion” and shared how chasing a dream and having a fresh approach to food and cooking led to his success in the food industry. Hall shared thoughts on how she created a thriving food business with an emphasis on social responsibility.
During the event, California Giant berries and Stemilt apples and pears were featured in unique savory and sweet bites, as well as fun cocktails and fruit-infused waters. Attendees raved about the exclusive recipes Cupcake Royale created for the event, which included Blackberry Crème Brûlée Cupcakes and Salted Caramel Granny Smith Apple Babycakes.
Coryanne Etienne, well-known food blogger and author of Kitchen Living with Coryanne helped bring the food blogging and fresh produce communities together for the evening. Etienne has featured products from both companies on her iFoodTV channel, and has also hosted Twitter parties on their behalf. Both Stemilt and California Giant Berry Farms have been using the #FreshBloggers hashtag to engage with bloggers about the Seattle event, and their joint contest that will send two food bloggers to a popular food blogging conference in 2014.
“The food blogging community is passionate about fresh fruit and farming, and we wanted to celebrate that through a unique event and contest,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt communications manager. “It’s been fun to team up with California Giant Berry Farms, who like us is family-owned, to share our story and healthy products with such an influential audience.”
“We are excited about engaging with food bloggers that are really providing a fun and interactive experience for moms looking for new ways to cook for their families and entertain at home. Building relationships with food bloggers and with innovative produce companies like Stemilt helps us extend our reach to consumers through social media,” said Cindy Jewell, Director of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms.
About California Giant Berry Farms
California Giant Berry Farms grows and ships over 20 million trays of berries annually (200 million pounds). A privately held company based in Watsonville, California, the company produces strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries and encompasses all aspects of the growing, handling and shipping of fresh berries. The management and employees know the future depends on the actions of today and places concern for the environment, food safety, excellent quality and service at the core of their business. For more information, please visit California Giant Berry Farms at www.calgiant.com and follow California Giant on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and You Tube.
About Stemilt Growers
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: California Giant Berry Farms / Stemilt Growers
