June 13, 2024 WENATCHEE, Wash. – Organic cherries are making a comeback for the 2024 crop with an opportunity to promote and boost cherry dollars during key times in the season.
Organic cherries can be exclusive some seasons because of volume and availability fluctuations, but this year will be a different story as volume and timing align in a succinct promotional window. Marketing director, Brianna Shales, shares how retailers can use Stemilt BB #:113654 Artisan Organics dark-sweet cherries to promote, merchandise and build sales with a sweet, seasonal treat.
“Organic dark-sweet cherries are up in volume compared to last year,” says Shales. “Cherry harvest is underway in Washington State, and we’ll see the volume of organic cherries increase into late June for promotional pulls. The perfect time for running promotions will be late June and early July when Washington has peak supply.”
According to recent survey findings from the Organic Trade Association, produce held its spot as the largest organic category in 2023, continuing to be the primary entry point for consumers into the organic market. Organic produce meets the consumer’s desire for clean, healthy food, and the importance of organic’s critical benefit of no synthetic pesticides.
“Organic cherries can be used to appeal organic shoppers and as a sales builder for the category,” says Shales. “Creating shelf space for organic cherries and finding ways to merchandise them within your main cherry displays is a must. Packaging like 1 lb. and 2 lb. top seals, clamshells or bags are great vehicles to call attention to the fact that the cherries are organic and encourage consumers to treat themselves with seasonal produce.”
The majority of Stemilt’s organic cherries are the Skeena variety which presents premium quality for size, firmness, and flavor. Organic cherries receive the same TLC as conventional cherries including early morning harvests, quick hydrocooling, delicate packing, jet cooling, and shipping to put freshness back into the hands of retailers and consumers.
“Organic cherries can be hard to grow, but Stemilt has growing locations and dedicated growers suited just right for growing them,” says Shales. “It’s not every year we get to promote organic dark-sweet cherries, so we’re especially excited to share opportunities with retailers and help them find success this season with Stemilt Artisan Organics®!”
About Stemilt
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com.
Contact:
Brianna Shales
Marketing Director
Stemilt Growers
