Optimism Behind Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ Apricot Crop
Following two consecutive years of short crops due to frost, Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ apricots will have more volume this year so retailers should ensure they have cots included in their summer produce plan. Stemilt marketing director, Brianna Shales, explains that this year’s 100 percent certified organic crop is full of flavor, high quality, attractive apricots that will provide retailers the opportunity to set up key promotional windows in late June and early July to delight consumers across the country.
“This year’s apricots are projected to be on the larger side, so retailers can plan and promote bulk ‘jumbo-sized’ apricots in both their stone fruit category as well as organic,” explains Shales. “Apricots are a great seasonal item to get behind and our all-organic apricot program offers retailers a strong point of differentiation.”
Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ apricots are known for their bright, attractive hue that fascinates consumers, but what keeps them coming back for more is their silky, sweet, slightly acidic finish. Shales explains that retailers will have opportunity to build their categories early in the season, loading around the middle of June and planning promotions that hit the weeks following through the 4th of July holiday.
“Our apricots delight a variety of consumers and are grown with flavor and quality in mind,” says Shales. “They are grown in the southeast region of Washington state by the Douglas family who have decades of experience growing stone fruit. The warm, sunshine filled days give apricots lots of color, while the cool nights that follow allow trees to rest and replenish for the ultimate sugar boost. This area is also dry, making it an excellent place to grow organic crops.”
Retailers will have variety options, with the season starting with the Robada variety and ending with the Perfection. Coral and Rival combine to make up the middle of the season.
“Along with growing organically, the Douglas family focuses on growing the best varieties of apricots in warm sites that allows them to develop bold hues and fantastic flavors,” said Shales.
Stemilt offers apricots in both two-layer and three-layer panta packs along with volume fill loose cartons. The fruit ships in Artisan Organics™ branded cartons to aid retailers in creating a destination for separate organic summer fruit at their store. The branded cartons will also display well in designated organic sections within the produce department.
“Promoting organics during the summertime by focusing on seasonal fruits like apricots is a great way to continue category growth,” said Shales. “Delivering shoppers with flavorful organic fruit helps delight organic consumers and brings new shoppers to the organic category. We’re excited to help retailers make this apricot season a success with our Artisan Organics™ branded fruit.”
