Stemilt to spotlight new varieties at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

Setting the stage for apple season, Wenatchee, Wash.-based fruit grower-shipper Stemilt will bring a new crop of opportunities to its booth at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show, showcasing a new lineup of products.

Artisan Organics sustainable apple packs, Aura and Kissabel apples, and Happi pears will be featured prominently, alongside performances by magician David Harris, according to a news release. 

“We can’t wait to share with retailers the strategic growth that has come to light with this year’s crop of apples and pears, and Stemilt specifically,” Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said in the release. “Volume is up, and we’re growing more club varieties and organics. We’re looking forward to the many opportunities this crop will bring for retailers and to partner with them to find success together.”

Related news: Stemilt Growers eyes organic increase

Amid new apples and pear varieties, Stemilt welcomes IFPA show attendees to see magician David Harris at its booth. Harris is to bring Stemilt varieties to light in a way visitors may not have seen before, according to the release.

“Stemilt is centered around freshness, flavor and quality for World Famous Fruit, and that’s what we hope to share this year at GPFS with retailers,” Shales said in the release. “While we’re bringing new items to the table, this has all been part of the plan for years to come and we’re excited to see it come to fruition in this year’s crop. Be sure to stop by booth 2847 to sample new apple and pear flavors and be amazed by a magic show unlike you’ve ever seen!”

Showcasing EZ Band packaging

As retailers explore the Stemilt booth, they’ll find new varieties among this year’s crop of apples and pears. As organics climb in volume this year, a new Stemilt sustainable package, the EZ Band, is being incorporated for bulk organic apples to help capture ring at the register and move organic volume in a convenient pack. The EZ Band pack will be featured at Stemilt’s booth, as well as in the Global Produce & Floral Show fresh ideas showcase, according to the release.

What’s more, a new lineup of Artisan Organics apples is now available with the EZ Band. This includes core varieties such as fuji, gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and granny smith, along with club apples such as SweeTango and Cosmic Crisp.

“We feel the EZ Band is going to be the season’s superhero for selling bulk organic apples in stores and online,” Shales said. “What’s great about the EZ Band is it ensures organic ring at the register in one scannable unit and appeals to the organic shopper with 100% paper-board packaging. It’s easy to stock, easy to shop and helps retailers secure their organic dollars while reducing some of the labor involved.

"Lil Snappers pouch bags are another convenient item to offer in the organic category for consumers," Shales continued. "With our growth in organic apples and pears, Artisan Organics Lil Snappers are perfect for parents to grab and go, or for anyone who enjoys a smaller piece of fruit!”

Spotlighting Happi pears and Aura apples

Also featured at Stemilt's IFPA show booth this year is its Happi pear — a green pear with a signature red blush that is best eaten when green or yellow. Happy pear flavor is marked by its sweetness and a bright and zesty bite, according to the release.

“Happi pear is all about offering consumers a different pear eating experience with its unexpected bite,” Shales said. “We’re just getting started with Happi pear so retailers can position it as a new, special treat for consumers to try if they find it. It’s grown right here in Washington where warm, sunny days and experienced growers help Happi pear bring a smile to anyone’s day.”

Stemilt will also feature its Aura apples in the Global Produce & Floral Show fresh ideas showcases. Aura is a Stemilt exclusive variety and a natural cross of a Honeycrisp and Aurora apple. It brings a new yellow apple eating experience to the table with burst of honey and melon flavors, the release said.

“We subtly introduced Aura last year at GPFS and heard great things about its flavor and crispness, which is unique in the yellow apple world,” Shales said. “We also have red-fleshed apples, called Kissabel, to share at the show during their limited availability in October.”