The 2022 cherry season will bring the 10th year anniversary of a fourth-generation cherry grower, Kyle Mathison’s, A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries, according to a news release.
“We’ve been lucky enough for the last 10 years to continue creating lasting memories within our consumers through A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries,” said Mathison. “I’m hoping this cherry season optimizes size, flavor, and aromatics for the 10th year anniversary of this late-season variety.”
A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries are grown at elevations 2,640 feet above sea level and higher and are the grand finale to every cherry season. This year, Stemilt will celebrate the 10-year legacy of its highest elevation cherries that extend the season later than anyone in Washington State, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt.
Mathison has been growing cherries on Stemilt Hill since 1969 and his unique perspective of cherry growing earned him the title of Cherry King in 2008 and was the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Grower of the year in 2013, said Shales.
“I’m not farming for cherries; I’m farming for experiences,” says Mathison. “I hope everyone who eats A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries will remember them fondly with a smile on their face in the next decade. Some people see cherry picking as picking dollars off of trees, but to me, it’s an art.”
“During the month of August, Stemilt will utilize its social platforms to engage in the celebration of Moon cherries with consumers in key cherry markets across the U.S. and our social followers,” explains Shales. “When Moon cherries hit the stores, a social media engagement challenge will utilize influencers to encourage shoppers to see how long a bag of Moon cherries lasts in their household coupled with digital marketing tactics, media, and influencer buzz to put the spotlight on this cherry.”
