October 14, 2024 WENATCHEE, Wash. – From celebrating their 60th year anniversary, to launching new packaging, Stemilt BB #:113654 has special plans for this year’s International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Floral and Produce Show.
In 2024, the grower’s booth will feature themes from an anniversary campaign called World Famous Fruit by World Famous Families to allow visitors to learn about a few of the families behind the fruit at Stemilt. Also taking the stage this year, are Stemilt exclusive varieties and brand, including Artisan Organics, Cosmic Crisp, Aura apples, Happi Pear and more.
“This is a significant year for Stemilt, and we can’t wait to surprise attendees with new packaging and merchandising ideas our recently launched World Famous Fruit by World Famous Families campaign,” says Brianna Shales, Stemilt Marketing Director.
“It will be shown during the State of the Industry general session on October 17. Stemilt’s been family-owned and operated through five generations of the Mathison family and throughout its history, there have been families of employees who have collaborated with them to produce apples, pears, cherries and stone fruits. It’s been amazing to learn about the passion Stemilters have been bringing to their jobs over the years.”
As attendees immerse themselves in stories behind Stemilt World Famous Fruit, they will also learn about the company’s involvement with workplace and environmental improvement projects such as certification with the Equitable Food Initiative and sustainability.
“Our goal at this year’s show is to help our visitors learn more about Stemilt’s legacy and passion for growing World Famous Fruit,” says Shales.
“We’re really looking forward to discussing opportunities with partner retailers that will help them find success at the point of sale with Stemilt. One apple variety in particular, Cosmic Crisp will be a main point of conversation because this is the year for Cosmic Crisp! Honeycrisp will be down 30% in volume in 2024/25 which presents the perfect opportunity to introduce consumers to something new. We know if retailers can be successful this apple season, so can we!”
Speaking of something new, Aura apples will be on display at Stemilt’s booth for tastings and future planning of the Honeycrisp and Aurora cross. On the pear side, Happi Pear is one of the first branded pear varieties and a Stemilt exclusive offering. The grower expects it to be #3 in its pear offerings by 2025.”
“Apples are a crowded category, and our aim is to help retailers merchandise the varieties available through packaging and branding that helps drive consumer purchases,” says Shales. “One of our tried-and-true brands, Lil Snappers, has been winning the hearts of parents and children with a smaller piece of fruit for years. It offers consumers convenience through its pouch bag style while also marketing directly to the intended user, kids and their parents.”
On the organic side, Stemilt will share an array of Artisan Organics apple and pear offerings, including a brand new, sustainable package for pears. Stemilt’s EZ Band package has been implemented for apples but is now available for pears to offer a recyclable option for organic shoppers. EZ Band makes it easy for retailers to stock, shop and capture organic ring at the register.
“It has definitely taken a village to be able to share so many exciting varieties with the produce industry since Stemilt’s founding in 1964,” says Shales. “We are excited to continue celebrating our 60th anniversary with IFPA attendees and getting them geared up for the 2024-2025 season ahead. We hope our visitors have the chance to experience our passion for cultivating people and delighting consumers through excellence with very piece of Stemilt World Famous Fruit.”
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 Information:
Brianna Shales
Brianna.shales@stemilt.com
Marketing Director
