Stemilt Growers expects to have its Washington organic apricots available in big sizes from mid-June through July.
Promising blooms and strong cell division action means Stemilt’s Washington apricot crop will bring big fruit this year, according to a news release.
Apricot shipments will begin in mid-June and continue through July with promotion windows starting July 4 onward, company officials say.
“We’ll have good volume and sizes of Artisan Organic apricots this year which means now is the perfect time to prepare for upcoming promotion windows,” Brian Evans, senior sales manager, said in the release. “We’re seeing signs of strong cell division post-bloom, which shows improved quality and size from the previous crop.”
The Douglas family grows all Stemilt’s apricots, peaches and nectarines 100% organically in Pasco, Wash., in the Columbia Basin, the release said.
The natural rain shadow in this area makes an optimal location for growing stone fruit. Each year, the family is committed to using only the best practices to pick fruit at just the right stage of ripeness for the best flavor, quality and size, according to the release.
“With larger size fruit on the way, catch weight bags are going to be your best friend for promoting apricots,” Evans said in the release. “July 4 will be a good time to first bring attention to apricots leading into another key promotion window in the second and third weeks of July. We encourage retailers to carry organic apricots to fill organic space and offer a value opportunity that shoppers will look for during produce inflation.”
Apricots continue to be a popular fruit choice for children who enjoy sweet mellow flavors, the release said. According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023, younger consumers are more likely to purchase fresh apricots. The report shows 19% of families with two kids at home are most likely to buy them. Fourteen percent of consumers aged 30-39 said they purchased apricots, compared with 6% for those consumers aged 60 and older.
“We can help bring new shoppers to the organic category with apricots by picking fruit that’s going to delight with quality flavors and sizes,” Evans said in the release. “Promoting organics with a seasonal fruit like apricots is a great way to see growth in the category, and we’re excited to help retailers see success this summer with Artisan Organics branded fruit.”
