Following a successful launch year, Stemilt’s signature bi-colored cherry brand, Skylar Rae, will make its way back to produce departments with increased volumes and the incredible firmness and sweetness it is quickly becoming known for. With incredibly high Brix levels ranging from 23-25 on average, Skylar Rae brand cherries are the third SKU in the cherry category and a great niche item to help retailers earn more cherry dollars in June and July.

With unique DNA and unknown parentage, Skylar Rae has two abnormal traits: it’s both the sweetest and firmest cherry that Stemilt grows.

“It’s rare to have a blush cherry possess both off-the-charts firmness and sweetness,” Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director, said in a press release. “That combination makes for an entirely new and unique dessert eating experience. Skylar Rae cherries crunch when you bite into them and then you experience a rush of sugars and juice.”

In the orchard, the cherry is known by its cultivar name, Tip Top, and was first discovered growing by chance in a Wenatchee, WA, orchard back in 2004. The best Tip Top cherries make it to market under the brand name, Skylar Rae, and last year, became the first cherry in years to be given its own product PLU number by the International Federation for Produce Standards.

As the exclusive marketer of Skylar Rae brand cherries in North America, Stemilt has planted the variety extensively in its cherry orchards across central Washington. This year, volumes will increase significantly with new acreage coming into bearing age. Harvest will begin the third week of June with peak volumes available for shipping in early July. Skylar Rae cherries have a limited season and will wrap up the third week of July.

“There is a limited window of time to make noise about the super-sweet Skylar Rae cherry,” Pepperl said in the release. “However, with increased volumes, this is the year to begin introducing shoppers to the third SKU in the cherry category. In-store promotions, signage and sampling must all be part of the plan to share this special cherry and capture sales this summer.”

Stemilt packs Skylar Rae cherries in 1.25-pound pouch bags and a unique, dome-style one-pound clamshell. Both pack types help distinguish Skylar Rae as “the sweetest cherry you’ll ever eat” in order to share the special qualities of the cherry directly with shoppers. Stemilt also has stand-up displays that are ideal to put at checkout lanes to further drive impulse sales of Skylar Rae.

Following last year’s record early start to cherry season in Washington, the state will experience a later-than-normal crop this year, making July the key time to promote Skylar Rae cherries. Moderate temperatures this spring have helped set a high-quality crop of cherries, and Stemilt expects flavor, firmness, and the beautiful orange-red blush of Skylar Rae to really stand out.

“Skylar Rae is poised to have its sweetest season yet,” said Pepperl. “We are excited to continue introducing shoppers to this special cherry. It’s a niche item that retailers will find success with because of its standout flavor and firmness.”