Apple season is kicking off with a bang as Stemilt begins to ship Rave apples, up 40 percent in volume over last year. With harvest already complete across Washington, Michigan and New York, Rave is perfectly timed to help retailers jumpstart apple category sales before traditional shelf resets hit in the fall.

“Rave apples are the ultimate season starter,” said Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales. “They bring vibrant color, crisp juiciness and bold flavor to produce departments weeks before other varieties. With volume up and quality exceptional as we’re wrapping up harvest, this is the year for retailers to lean in on Rave.”

Most apple displays are refreshed as the fall season begins, but Rave provides an opportunity to drive momentum ahead of those resets. With its bright, fuchsia color and refreshing zing, Rave helps retailers signal the start of apple season to shoppers with early-season promotions offering something new and exciting to try. Stemilt is encouraging retailers to maximize the early-season apple opportunity with simple, impactful tactics:

• School Lunch & Snacking Tie-Ins: Position Rave as a staple school snack, utilizing its messaging to help shoppers “rave” about what’s in their lunchbox. 
• Eye-Catching Displays: Build large, vibrant displays using bright pink Rave boxes, signage and POS to draw attention.
• Highlight Freshness: Promote Rave as the first fresh-off-the-tree apple of the season, reminding consumers of apples because they aren’t always top of mind in summer.
• Snack Pairings: Cross-merchandise bagged Rave apples with kid-friendly items like grapes, citrus or cheese sticks to inspire easy lunch and snack ideas.

“Retailers who feature Rave this season will not only delight shoppers but also set the stage for strong apple category performance as fall varieties roll in,” said Shales. “There are great opportunities on bagged Rave apple promotions to help drive volume with shoppers seeking convenience.”

Stemilt offers a variety of packaging and display options to support promotions. Rave is available in two- and four-pound pouch bags, poly bags and Stemilt’s sustainable EZ Band pack for larger fruit. Retailers can use the fruit’s signature pink boxes for high-impact, stackable displays.

“Rave is available from August through October, with a juicy, tangy-sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with fall favorites like caramel, cheese and cider, giving consumers a versatile snacking apple,” said Shales.

Thanks to ideal summer growing conditions, Rave apples have come off the tree with outstanding color, size and flavor balance this year. Stemilt’s commitment to harvesting at peak maturity aims to let consumers experience Rave’s refreshing crunch and zing with every bite.

“Rave is grown in three staple regions of the U.S. to help retailers promote local and high-flavor fruit simultaneously,” said Shales. “Stemilt, Applewood Fresh and Yes! Apples work together to create Rave-worthy experiences at the point of sale to take advantage of these standout seasonal apples.”