To build authentic credibility and engagement with consumers, Stemilt Growers launched its Kitchen Council program in April 2015. Each month, Stemilt sent fresh, premium-quality fruit for three bloggers to create original content — anything from a recipe to a tablescape to tips and tricks. Content was then shared on Stemilt’s online and social media channels, including The Stem blog. Since the introduction of the Kitchen Council, more than 40 blog posts, 30 original recipes and 75 social media mentions from the hand-selected bloggers have reached more than 1 million consumers and helped garner over 75,000 page views to The Stem in 2015.

“As the first year of the Kitchen Council comes to a close, it’s great to look back and see how our talented bloggers used Stemilt fruits and branded products in fresh and new ways to help inspire our growing network of consumers to enjoy our apples, pears, cherries and summer fruits,” Brianna Shales, Stemilt communications manager, said in a press release. “It was a successful year for this new program and we look forward to expanding the Kitchen Council in years to come.”

Members of the inaugural Kitchen Council program and their top post of 2015 include:

• Coryanne Ettiene: A food and lifestyle expert featured on AOL, Huffington Post, Kitchen Daily, More magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and Traditional Home, Ettiene lives in Dallas with her husband, three children, a dog, cat and two feisty chickens. Her most popular post was this Egg Free Cherry Ice Cream Recipe .
  
  
• Holley Grainger, MS, RD: A former nutrition editor for CookingLight.com and MyRecipes.com, she has instructed millions of accomplished and aspiring home cooks how to make simple, healthy, family-friendly meals. Featured on hundreds of TV and radio segments nationwide, Grainger lives in Birmingham, AL, with her husband and two daughters. Blog readers enjoyed her recipe for Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Pinata Apple & Mango Salsa .
• Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD: A registered dietician, educator, author and mom, Kuzemchak has been published in Parents, Prevention, Self, Family Circle, Fitness, Shape, Health, Eating Well, Ladies’ Home Journal and The Chicago Tribune. Her top post in 2015 was a Homemade Apple Vinaigrette published in May in honor of National Salad Month.

As a thank you to the brands she’s partnered with over the past year, Holley Grainger hosted a giveaway in early January to help her readers kick off the year with a healthy lunchbox. Stemilt provided both d’Anjou pears and Piñata apples for the giveaway. Piñata, Stemilt’s signature apple variety, has a classic apple flavor with a tropical twist. It’s a proven performer in the kitchen and an excellent fresh eating apple when it is available between November and May each year.