Stemilt anticipates increase in organic this year

Stemilt Growers has launched its EZ Band four-pack for organic apples.
Stemilt Growers has launched its EZ Band four-pack for organic apples.
(Photo courtesy Stemilt Growers)

Wenatchee, Wash-based Stemilt Growers has increased its supplies of organic Cosmic Crisp apples substantially after completing the organic transition process, says Brianna Shales, marketing director.

“We will continue to grow in organic Cosmic and other varieties as we head into what we hope will be a larger apple crop this fall,” she said.  

In addition, Stemilt Growers has launched its EZ Band four-pack for organic apples.

“This 100% recyclable pack is a great option for ensuring the organic ring at the register and merchandising bulk-size organic apples,” Shales said. “We are expecting to broadly roll it out this fall as the new organic crop comes into play.”

Organic footprint

Stemilt grows and markets organic apples, pears, cherries and stone fruits under the Artisan Organics brand, Shales said.

“One hundred percent of our apricot, peach and nectarine crop is organic,” she said. “We are growing in organic apple volumes and [are] among the few organic cherry producers each summer with promotable supplies in July."

Organic cherries are challenging to grow, but Shales said Stemilt has the growers, varieties and sites that allow for the marketer to grow them with flavor in mind.

Related news: Transitioning to organic production? Here's how the USDA can help

On the lookout

Shales said organic volume increases are anticipated with the 2023 crop year.

“We are expecting increases in organic apples in 2023-24 crop compared to 2022-23, as this was a short apple crop year,” she said. “Organic cherries should also rebound from a very short crop in 2022, with promotions available in the July timeframe as long as the bloom/crop set go as planned in Washington.”

Over the next several months, Stemilt will be engaged with promoting organic cherries, peaches and nectarines.

“We will be working closely to align seasonal produce items into organic promotions and help retailers call attention to peak seasons and grow dollars with organics,” Shales said.

Stemilt expects similar volumes of organic stone fruit this summer compared with 2022, she said, as stone fruit production doesn't typically tend to have major crop fluctuations.

More organic news: Starr Ranch Growers looks for a rebound in organic fruit volume

Retail lift

Retailers can expand organic sales with some planning of promotions, Shales said.

“Make sure there is a regular promotion strategy and help consumers find values in organics, even though they sell for a premium,” she said.

Organic produce continues to grow in consumer awareness and demand, Shales said.

“We have great opportunities in fresh produce to grow the organic share of stomach with healthy, wholesome fruits,” she said. “When we align organic with our flavor and freshness promise at Stemilt, and deliver on that promise, that is when we delight consumers and help grow organic sales.” 

 

Latest News

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.

NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs
NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs

The company plans to incorporate the league’s logo into packaging and provide local leagues with snacking suggestions after being named the official snacking vegetable of Little League Baseball and Softball.