Retail Jumping On Organic Opportunities With Stemilt Artisan Organics Cherries

WENATCHEE, Wash. – It’s go time for organic dark-sweet cherries according to the industry’s long-time organic leader, Stemilt Growers. The Wenatchee, WA-based grower/shipper has increased its share of Artisan Organics™ cherries in June, making it possible for a pre-July 4th organic promotion. Stemilt will have continuous supplies of organic dark-sweet cherries now through July.

“Our organic dark-sweet cherry crop is up 25 percent year-over-year,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt communications manager. “This intentional increase will help retailers carry Artisan Organics™ dark-sweet cherries continuously for two months this summer to help grow their organic category.”

Stemilt recommends four promotion weeks with Artisan Organics™ dark-sweet cherries this season, with the first two weeks available for loading now. Retailers can promote with ads the week of June 18th or June 25th. Organic Chelan and Bing are the primary varieties available from Stemilt in June.

“Harvest is happening daily now in Washington State, and the quality of this year’s Artisan Organics™ cherries is impressive,” said Shales. “We’re seeing high colors on both organic dark-sweets and organic Rainiers, with good sizing and excellent flavors. Retailers will be able to impress shoppers with quality and flavor in this first promotion to drive repeat purchases as the season progresses.”

In early July, Stemilt’s organic cherry harvest begins on the infamous Stemilt Hill locale above Wenatchee, WA. Fourth generation cherry grower and past Organic Trade Association organic grower of year, Kyle Mathison, is well-known for growing large, firm and dessert-flavored Artisan Organics™ cherries. Skeena is a primary dark-sweet cherry variety that he grows organically. Retailers can plan to load Artisan Organics™ cherries the weeks of July 9th and 16th for back-to-back organic cherry ads between July 16-23.

“The second promotional push for organic dark-sweet cherries follows the big July 4th cherry ad run, and will allow retailers to meet their organic shoppers’ demands for high-quality organic summer fruits, and also drive impulse sales with the occasional organic shopper,” said Shales. “Skeena is known for its large size, beautiful dark coloring, and incredible high sugar and acid levels.

A Stemilt Fruit Tracker™ analysis of Nielsen scan data of the entire cherry season from 2015-2017 shows that organic cherries make up a small but growing percentage of cherry volume sold in the U.S.

“The organic category is growing, and organic cherry availability is growing right with it,” said Shales. “Taking advantage of extra promotion opportunities on Artisan Organics™ cherries with competitive ads is in line with many retail plans this summer. It’s a great year to go bigger on promotions to grow your cherry and organic categories.”

While Artisan Organics™ dark-sweet cherries will see the most promotional opportunities this season, retailers can also feature organic Rainier cherries in July ads. National Rainier Cherry Day is on July 11th and is an ideal time to promote Artisan Organics™ Rainier cherries in stores.

Stemilt packs organic Rainier cherries on an electronic line engineered specifically for the yellow-hued fruits. Organic dark-sweet cherries are also packed on an optical line. There are a variety of pack types for Stemilt’s organic cherries, including pouch bags and clamshells. Artisan Organics™ is Stemilt’s brand and label for organic fruits.

Stemilt has a long history of growing fruit organically, having converted its first orchards to organic back in 1989. Today, the company focuses on growing organic fruits for flavor.

“Organic shoppers are paying a premium for products, and have come to expect a great eating experience,” said Shales. “Flavor and quality is exactly what they will find in this year’s Artisan Organics™ cherry crop, so retailers should promote with confidence.”

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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.comand follow Stemilt on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube.

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Source: Stemilt Growers