Stemilt Artisan Organics Apricot Harvest Set To Begin Late June

WENATCHEE, Wash. – With a historic early start last year, it is only fitting to experience a late start for crops up and down the West Coast this year. Stemilt and their marketing partner, Douglas Fruit, are gearing up for another successful Artisan Organics® apricot season, which is predicted to start two weeks later than normal. Stemilt expects their organic apricots to begin harvest in late June, with volumes ramping up quickly for promotable volumes throughout July.

The Douglas family tree fruit growing roots date back to the 1890s and today, the fourth generation is hands-on when it involves the family’s growing and packing business, which includes apricots, peaches, nectarines, apples, and cherries. In 2007, the Douglas family started the transition process to move the majority of its apricot orchards to organic production, as well as their entire crop of peaches and nectarines, viewing the move to organic as an opportunity to differentiate the flavors of its stone fruits.

“We’ve found a great niche in growing apricots organically that matches well with our flavor focus,” said Jill Douglas, co-president of Douglas Fruit. “We farm in the best locale, Washington’s Columbia Basin, where warm days and cool nights create beautifully colored fruits with exceptional flavors. Artisan Organics® apricots really exceed standards thanks to the climate and organic farming practices.”

Stemilt accounts for approximately 40 percent of Washington State’s apricot crop taking the leading position in apricot production. Stemilt is also the leader in organic cots, with 60 percent of its entire apricot crop grown and certified as organic. The leading variety that Stemilt produces is Robada.

Robada has been strategically planted by the Douglas family and Stemilt because of its excellent eating qualities and vibrant color. The fruit has a firm texture and velvety soft skin that is accompanied by a balance of acids and sugars to make for an exceptional eating experience. 

“Robada has grown to be a consumer favorite and for good reason,” states Roger Pepperl, marketing director at Stemilt. “With its orange skin and deep red blush, it is very appealing on produce shelves. Beyond its appearance, it’s by far the best cot for snacking with an explosion of flavor.” 

Retailers should expect the peak of organic apricot season to begin in early July and plan for promotions during the first three weeks of July. Apricots are a great summer item for the organic category and with organic food sales growing by double-digits annually, it’s an area that retailers must focus on, noted Pepperl. 

Stemilt has a variety of packaging options for Artisan Organics® apricots, including random-weight pouch bags, clamshells, panta packs and volume fill. Including a display within the organic section is a must in July, says Pepperl, but apricots also find success on endcap and aisle displays. 

During the peak time, retailers can utilize the story behind the fruit by sharing the Douglas family’s story in order to tell organic consumers where their fruit came from and how it was grown. 

“Highlighting the Douglas family’s heritage and passion is a great way to focus your program as flavor-driven,” said Pepperl. “And being flavor driven is the way to win over consumers, especially around seasonal items like our Artisan Organics® apricots.” 

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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