Stemilt seeks to ensure organic apple quality with Apeel

Despite a tight apple crop in 2022, there’s room to keep growing Stemilt’s Artisan Organics brand, says Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales.  

“The organic apple crop is in tighter supply this year, but still an important part of the apple category at 16% of total apple dollars nationally," said Shales in a news release.

It’s also a growth area for the future of apples.

“The organic shopper is a powerhouse purchaser of produce, and especially fruits,” continued Shales. “In fact, IRI recently reported that apples were a top three organic fruit item last year as organic fruits grew by 11% year over year. Elevating the consumer experience is what we aim to do when producing Artisan Organics fruit and that will ultimately drive consumer purchases of organics in the future.”

Stemilt says it uses many tools to ensure quality, flavor and consistency in its Artisan Organics fruit brand, and Apeel plant-based coating is one of those tools.

“Every step in our organic apple process is about freshness and putting shelf life back in the hands of retailers and consumers,” said Shales. “We have strict harvest and storage protocols for organics and strive to pack fruit fresh to order. We also have Apeel to maintain the crisp texture of apples and increase shelf life once the fruit is packed.”

Stemilt and Apeel have partnered since 2020 to use Apeel proprietary coating on organic apples. Apeel’s coating is derived from peels, seeds and pulp of fruits and vegetables, and works by creating an extra peel on the apple that seals moisture in and keeps oxygen out. 

“Crispness is a leading factor of freshness for consumers,” Ellise Fallon, Apeel’s commercial director of tree fruit said in the release. “Apeel’s plant-based protection is proven to keep organic apples crisper for longer, ensuring the ideal eating experience and helping to prevent apples from going to waste. We are proud to support Stemilt’s commitment to delighting customers and creating a more sustainable food system.”  

Stemilt has over three decades of experience growing fruit organically. The company grows organic apples in high-density orchards in central Washington and offers year-round supply on core organic varieties, and aligns its variety mix with varieties such as Honeycrisp, SweeTango and Cosmic Crisp. 

Retailers can learn more about Artisan Organics and Apeel at Stemilt booth 3571 during The Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Oct. 28-29.