Thirty years in organic fruit. That’s what one grower plans on celebrating at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit July 10-11 in Monterey, CA.
“The 30th birthday of our program is a big deal! We’re proud of this milestone,” says Brianna Shales with Wenatchee, Wa.-based Stemilt Growers.
For Stemilt, the show is well timed in that July is when Stemilt’s brand, Artisan Organics cherries, are in season and will be sampled in Stemilt’s booth at the Summit.
Overall, Shales notes that organic cherries are starting late this week in Washington state. “So supplies are just getting going,” she says. “Organic cherries are a small percentage of the total cherry crop, but one that Stemilt is proud to lead the industry on with our Artisan Organics® dark-sweet and Rainier cherries.” That season runs mid-June through early August.
At the same time, Stemilt will also show its new top-seal clamshell packaging for organic cherries at the OPS.
Other organic commodities
However, other stone fruit should also be on display in Stemilt’s booth including organic peaches and nectarines, which are just coming into season at the event timing. “And because this program is 100 percent organic, we’ll talk about how we can help retailers differentiate their stone fruit program in August and September,” says Shales, adding it will also have information on its upcoming organic apple and pear programs for the fall.
For Shales, she appreciates the sole focus on organics this show offers and notes that it’s unique in produce. “It really makes you feel the depth the organic world now reaches. There are many innovative packages in the organic world to see here too which makes it a great spot to gain ideas for the future of organic produce,” she says.
“It’s a growing time for organic produce and especially organic fruits,” says Shales. “We look forward to talking with our retail partners to continue their success with organics.”
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers
Ph: 509-663-1451
brianna.shales@stemilt.com
www.stemilt.com