Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Specialty stone fruit offerings were a focus of attention for Pacific Trellis Fruit executives at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Imported premium stone fruit, such as Watermelon Plums from South Africa, Lemon Plums from Chile and Extra Sweet Plums from New Zealand are finding strong demand this year, said Howard Nager, director of marketing and business development for Pacific Trellis. The premium varieties are packed in 2-pound clamshells to protect the fruit and to ensure the proper price at checkout. Imported donut peaches and sugar plums also are popular premium options, he said.

The import season for specialty tree fruit typically starts in January and continues through April.

“The specialty [stone fruit category] has really created a little shot of adrenaline for imported stone fruit sales,” Nager said, noting that some retailers have cut space or eliminated standard imported peaches or nectarines.

“This is all added dollars and incremental dollars to the category, so it has really worked out,” he said. “They have really been in a demand exceeds supply situation.”