WENATCHEE, Wash. – The summer season enters into its final months, which means Stemilt’s Artisan Organic™ peaches and nectarines will soon hit the ground running. Stemilt’s organic peach and nectarine harvest started in late July and retailers can expect to see volumes heighten and peak time approaching.
“The later arrival of spring on the West Coast has pushed all crops back in terms of harvest timing, especially when compared to the record early start the year prior,” states Stemilt communications manager, Brianna Shales. “Our Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines are coming off the tree now and will be ready for promotions in mid-August. These organically grown, tree-ripened peaches offer retailers with a premium product to feature during the last weeks of summer.”
Currently, Stemilt is suggesting that retailers load for promotion starting August 15, and continue to pull volumes for a month. Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ program is producing vibrant colored stone fruit that will leave the customer with an overwhelmingly delicious eating experience. During these times, Shales suggests that retailers should begin planning advertisements now to catch peak promotional volumes.
“Retailers should be planning big callouts for advertisements,” states Shales. “Promote the fact that these fruits are organic, tree-ripened and jumbo sized. As mid-August arrives, retailers should start running two to three ads over the course of a month to take advantage of the flavors and high qualities of this late-season and all-organic stone fruit.”
Artisan Organics™ is producing high quality stone fruit that is coming in large sizes with vibrant colors and outstanding flavors. Sugars are high in brix, while acid levels stay at agreeable levels. These organic peaches and nectarines will be driving consumers to buy in bulk, so Stemilt encourages retailers to push these purchases by highlighting the Artisan Organics™ program through transparency and storytelling that is on display bins in highly populated areas within the organics section.
“The organic peaches and nectarines have a wonderful flavor profile this year which should result in high sales dollars,” states Shales. “This stone fruit is coming off the tree in high quality conditions due to the growing climate and the best organic farming expertise in the industry.”
The Douglas family transitioned to organic about a decade ago, and have been growing all-organic peaches and nectarines since 2009. Not only do they have a plethora of farming experience, they also grow in a region that compliments organic growing conditions, resulting in high quality Artisan Organic™ peaches and nectarines.
Based in south central Washington State, Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines are grown in arid and almost desert-like climates. These climates coincide with warm days, which allow peaches and nectarines to achieve high sugar levels and cool nights that allow the tree to rest and give stone fruit the opportunity to establish beautiful coloring. The climate combined with volcanic soils gives peaches and nectarines the necessary nutrients to flourish.
The Douglas family pays close attention to fruit before harvest in order to pick the tree at the optimal time. This means allowing fruit to hang on the tree longer to gain higher sugars and color for the ultimate peach and nectarine eating experience.
“It takes multiple picks from the same tree to harvest all of our Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines, as this is how we ensure that flavor comes first,” states Shales. “Growing classic varieties organically and harvesting at just the right moment is key to produce dessert-quality peaches and nectarines.”
Once the organic peaches and nectarines are picked, they go through a dedicated sorting and packing line with modern technology to sort the fruit based on quality and color. After being sorted and packed, the fruit is cooled by jet coolers. These fans are engineered to cool the fruit quickly and evenly, while significantly reducing time and energy.
“The jet coolers are making a significant difference in quality and shelf life,” states Shales. “Each and every step in the process, from tree to truck, is crucial in delivering the highest quality fruit to our consumers and we pride ourselves in achieving that goal every harvest.”
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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
