Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash., is suggesting growers focus on gala apples in the summer to bolster the category.
The company is opening storage rooms on a weekly basis and reports a “fall-like flavor, beautiful color and great quality, room after room,” according to a news release.
Roger Pepperl, marketing director, said Stemilt’s research into controlled-atmosphere storage allows it to market galas year-round while maintaining fruit quality.
Gala sizes are peaking at 88s and smaller, making them ideal for bagged programs.
“With the smaller sizes available, retailers will have the opportunity for bulk promotions, but should really focus on grab-and-go bag options, like our 3-pound Lil Snappers bag and our 5-pound Apple Lover bag,” Pepperl said in the release. “With today’s limited shopping trips, this is a great value item with a stable shelf life. Consumers can easily make a bag or two last between shopping trips.”
The gala bagged apples can be displayed near bulk displays, or in one of the company’s high-graphic display-ready containers. The company also helps create digital ads.
“Our team is ready to help you succeed with gala apple sales,” Pepperl said in the release. “We are also utilizing our own digital communications to push consumers into your stores.”
The company markets the apples under the “World Famous Gala” tagline.
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