Stemilt sees ‘great size and flavor’ in this year’s Washington organic stone fruit crop
Stemilt Growers' Washington organic stone fruit season is now in full swing, offering peaches, nectarines and apricots to shoppers this summer through its Artisan Organics line.
Apricot harvest began this week, signaling the start of Stemilt’s lengthy organic stone fruit season, according to a news release.
“Artisan Organics peaches, nectarines, and apricots are tree-ripened and picked at just the right time for maximum flavors,” Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, said in the release. “The Douglas family grows stone fruit for flavor and freshness first in eastern Washington state where warm, sunny days help the fruit grow large and full of sugars.”
These fourth-generation growers produces stone fruit in the Columbia Basin where weather conditions are favorable throughout all four seasons. Cool nights allow trees to rest after the heat of the sun and bring out vibrant hues in fruit, according to the release.
Related news: Stemilt investing in automated pear packing line
“The unique thing about how the Douglas family farms peaches, nectarines, and apricots is how they harvest in small blacks to ensure fruit is evenly ripened and in its ideal harvest window,” Shales said. “This spring, we had good weather conditions during bloom that allowed healthy cell division. We’re expecting great sizes and flavors over the summer.”
What’s more, apricots are underway and will enter a peak shipping period in early July. Stemilt’s apricot crop is on par with last year’s volumes with larger fruit size and flavor, according to the release.
“Promoting organic apricots in the July timeframe is a great way to capture organic dollars to the category, while also helping consumers enjoy a seasonal fruit,” Shales said.
Retailers can also start preparing now for August promotions on peaches and nectarines and should take advantage of Stemilt’s Top Pick and premium white nectarine program for the end of July through the first few days of August, the company said. Top Pick brings high-color and high-Brix fruit into a vibrant pack; white nectarines are a niche and Stemilt specializes in growing them organically, according to the release.
“It’s time to open up shelf space and start talking to consumers about what makes Stemilt Artisan Organics peaches, nectarines, and apricots unique,” Shales said. “Highlighting the Douglas family and their passion for organic growing through signage and POS will resonate with organic shoppers and encourage them to try something new this season.”
