Chelan Fresh looks to second half of organic season with SugarBee, Rockit varieties

Chelan Fresh will be heavily focused on its organic SugarBee and Rockit apple programs in the months ahead, said Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for the Chelan Wash.-based company.

Chelan Fresh also sees growth ahead for its organic fruit program, he said. 

“We are excited to continue the growth and availability of organic SugarBee and Rockit apples into future seasons, as well as increasing output of gala and Honeycrisp,” Stennes said.

The company is marketing about 1.5 million cartons of apples and pears in the 2021-22 season   , including SugarBee, Rockit, Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, gala, fuji, granny smith, Pink Lady, bartlett, d’anjou, bosc and red d’anjou varieties. The company also grows and sells organic pluots, Stennes said.

Performing especially well this season in Chelan’s organic program are such varieties as SugarBee and Honeycrisp, as well as bulk and bagged galas, Stennes said. 

Chelan Fresh introduced new organic Rockit packaging this year, too, he said.

Retailers can best promote organic fruit with ample use of merchandising, display materials and high-graphic pouch bags, Stennes said.

Chelan Fresh uses “any and all” social media outlets to educate consumers and provide a “virtual” introduction to the company’s operations, he said. 

“Communication and education are keys to building trust with our consumer base,” Stennes said.

Consumers are increasingly looking for organic fruit, he said.
“The demand is continuing to feel very strong,” he said, noting that higher prices this year have not hurt demand and movement. “A growing percent of the population continues to prioritize purchasing organic produce.”

Chelan Fresh is heavily invested in organic production, he said. 
“We have multiple four-to six-generation farms that are into generations two and three in certified organic production,” Stennes said. “Nothing says sustainable like multigenerational operations who continue to be good stewards of the land, as well as financially sustainable.”