Skylar Rae signals sweet spot for cherry season

Stemilt Growers is heralding the return of Skylar Rae, the bi-color cherry billed as the grower-shipper’s sweetest cherry.

The company says Skylar Rae, a cultivar from Tip Top Orchards that was discovered in 2004, can build incremental sales in the cherry category at a higher price than other varieties.

“Your shoppers win because of its unique flavor and experience, and you’ll win by driving more dollars to the produce department with a third cherry (stock-keeping unit),” Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s communications manager, said in a news release.

Demand has grown since Stemilt first brought Skylar Rae to markets in 2014, according to the release, and new acreage and new acreage is expected to boost volume by more than 25% this season over 2017’s crop. Harvest began in early June and retailers will be stocking Skylar Raes by the week of June 11.

Peak volumes should arrive the last week of June/first week of July, with the season ending around the third week of July.

Shales said the cherries are large this season with “stunning color.” Peak shipping of Skylar Raes also come at a time when retailers are running 4th of July promotions.

“Skylar Rae has a limited availability window, so it’s important retailers jump on carrying it right away,” she said in the release.

Stemilt packs Skylar Raes in a domed 1-pound clamshell and a 1.25-pound pouch bag. Retailers can request lane table display bins to sell the cherries in high-traffic areas for impulse buys.