Stemilt suggests stone fruit for late summer

Stemilt Growers is encouraging retailers to feature its organic stone fruit in the coming months.

The Wenatchee, Wash.-based company is harvesting organic apricots and will soon be harvesting organic peaches and organic nectarines, according to a news release. Stemilt plans to have the fruit available throughout August and most of September.

“Stone fruit is one of summer’s best treats,” Roger Pepperl, marketing director at Stemilt, said in the release. “Not only do peaches and nectarines scream the dog days of summer, they are a great, nutritious snack or the perfect topping for summertime desserts.

“And since they are organic, well, we are able to tap into another unique crowd that is driving the produce industry to a whole new level,” Pepperl said.

He urges retailers to promote the fruit in high-density areas and organic sections and to use the fruit as a seasonal item in the Lil Snappers program, which features smaller fruit for kids.

Pepperl also recommends the use of Stemilt display bins and Artisan Organic boxes.

“Our Artisan Organics peaches and nectarines are juicy and sweet with balanced acidity and certified organic,” Pepperl said in the release. ”All of these features are the perfect differentiation point for retailers to share and wow their shoppers with as we near the big months of August and September.”