California cherries are entering peak availability for Stemilt Growers.
Cherry harvest for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt’s California’s orchards began in late April in the Stockton growing district, according to a news release, and volume is coming on.
Stemilt anticipates large sizing and high-quality cherries to help retailers promote California cherries through Memorial Day.
“We’ve started filling the retail pipeline with cherries and are now moving into good volumes for retailers to promote this sought-after seasonal item,” Brianna Shales, senior marketing manager, said in the release. “Quality and sizing are fantastic now, and we expect that trend to continue as we harvest and ship coral and bings during the peak.”
For Memorial Day promotions, Shales said Stemilt is encouraging retailers to build cherry displays in a high-traffic area to encourage impulse sales.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed shopping behavior, with online sales up and shoppers making fewer shopping trips each week,” Shales said in the release. “Cherries must be easy to shop online and in-store as this seasonal item is one that delivers a great ring at the register. Fruit quality is going to help drive those impulse sales and repeat purchases.”
Toward the end of peak supply in California, Stemilt will harvest lapins from the Delta region and market them under the company’s 5 River Islands brand.
The brand set up the transition to Washington’s cherry crop, Shales said in the release.
