Stemilt's Washington apricot crop has promotable volume, increased size
Stemilt’s Washington apricot crop will bring big fruit this year. Apricots are back mid-June through July with promotion windows starting July Fourth onward. Brian Evans, Stemilt senior sales manager, anticipates quality and size will increase during this year’s apricot season and shares how retailers can promote apricots mid-June.
“We’ll have good volume and sizes of Artisan Organics apricots this year which means now is the perfect time to prepare for upcoming promotion windows,” said Evans. “We’re seeing signs of strong cell division post bloom which shows improved quality and size from the previous crop.”
Great flavors are made when cool nights and long, hot days give apricots the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The Douglas family grows all Stemilt’s apricots, peaches and nectarines 100 percent organically in Pasco, WA, in the Columbia Basin. The natural rain shadow in this area makes an optimal location for growing stone fruit. Each year, the family is committed to using only the best practices to pick fruit at just the right stage of ripeness for the best flavor, quality and size.
“With larger size fruit on the way, catch weight bags are going to be your best friend for promoting apricots,” said Evans. “July Fourth will be a good time to first bring attention to apricots leading into another key promotion window in the second and third weeks of July. We encourage retailers to carry organic apricots to fill organic space and offer a value opportunity that shoppers will look for during produce inflation.”
“We can help bring new shoppers to the organic category with apricots by picking fruit that’s going to delight with quality flavors and sizes,” said Evans. “Promoting organics with a seasonal fruit like apricots is a great way to see growth in the category and we’re excited to help retailers see success this summer with Artisan Organics branded fruit.”
