Stemilt Growers says it will tout its lineup of “World Famous Fruit” at booth No. 820 during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, set for March 6-8 in Orlando, Fla.
“We’re in the heart of apple season right now, but we’re also not far from the beginnings of cherry season,” Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt, said in a news release. “For apples, we’re excited to showcase one of our favorite brands, Lil Snappers kid’s-size fruit, and two varieties that have been well poised for volume and growth at retail since the beginning of the season, Cosmic Crisp and Pink Lady. As we look to cherries, the 2025 season looks promising for a four-month season out of both California and Washington, and our signature Kyle’s Pick and A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherry program.”
Shales said Stemilt will display Lil Snappers apples and pears in conventional and organic. The company will also showcase a new box header to capture consumer attention.
Stemilt plans to highlight premium brands such as Cosmic Crisp in conventional and organic in bulk, bags and its EZ Band four-pack, accompanied by Pink Lady in bulk and bag options. Shales said Stemilt’s Pink Lady crop is vintage with color and quality being high points for the variety.
“Demand for the apple category is moving well with the exception of Honeycrisp, as it’s down in volumes across the industry,” Shales said. “This is a great year for promoting Cosmic Crisp and Pink Lady apples to offer consumers both a tart and sweet option and offer another crunchy apple while Honeycrisp is in less supply this season. Both varieties will be on display at Stemilt’s booth, with Pink Lady in its bright pink matching branding, and Cosmic Crisp alongside a new rocket display available now.”
Stemilt plans to represent its A Half Mile Closer to the Moon and Kyle’s Pick premium branded cherries ahead of the start of the season, with Kyle’s Pick being part of the SEPC’s Bright Ideas showcase. Stemilt said event attendees will get a closer look at the new branding for Kyle’s Pick in top-seal and bags and learn how A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries, grown 2,600 feet above sea level, can be the grand finale to cherry season.
“It’s still very early in the season to tell the full story of this year’s cherry crop, but we’re expecting to go longer into our season than in 2024 and 2023 based on optimal winter conditions in both states,” Shales said. “We’ve had a much better growing season and are expecting a substantial increase in boxes. We can’t wait to share the unique offerings of Stemilt’s World Famous Cherry program and key apple varieties with those at the conference.”
