Peach and nectarine harvest is well underway for Stemilt Growers and its Artisan Organics™ program. The organic grower of peaches and nectarines is into its third week of harvest and entering peak shipping weeks with excellent fruit quality.
“It’s been a strong start to our all-organic peach and nectarine season thanks to ideal temperatures in southeastern Washington state, where the majority of our organic stone fruit is grown,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt communications manager. “Sunny days and cool nights are combining to help us achieve that tree-ripened flavor experience that make for strong stone fruit programs at retail, as well as delighted consumers.”
With the weather being so cooperative, Stemilt is also seeing an uptick in brix (sugar) averages in their stone fruit. Temperatures average around the low to mid 90s which allows the fruit to reach maximum maturity while it still hangs on the tree, resulting in extra sweet peaches and nectarines. Peak loading weeks for Stemilt’s Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines run now through mid-September.
“It’s important for retailers to work on September ads for organic peaches and nectarines,” said Shales. “Artisan Organics™ is a great program for retailers to differentiate around. The everyday organic shopper loves and remembers the flavors of these fruits, while the qualities and appearance of our Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines also entice new shoppers to the organic category.”
Stemilt has merchandising and digital resources available to help retailers with their promobtions, including a new pop-up display bin. The display bin features vibrant peaches and nectarines alongside other fruits Stemilt grows organically and new bright green look for the Artisan Organics™ logo.
“Display bins are an effective merchandising tool, but especially helpful with organic fruit. Retailers can build larger displays of organic peaches and nectarines with these bins in order to drive impulse sales,” said Shales.
Stemilt partners with fourth generation growers, the Douglas family, on its all-organic peach and nectarine program. The partners have been growing organic stone fruit together for a decade, viewing organics as a way to differentiate themselves on flavor and quality.
“The move to organics was a move to produce fruits with complex flavors. We’re striving for tree-ripened fruit, that ideal sugar-to-acid ratio, and fruit with loads of juice,” said Shales. “Flavor is what consumers crave, and we’re confident that we’ll keep delivering on that promise with our Artisan Organics™ peaches until season’s end.”
For more information:
Stemilt
Tel: 509-663-1451
www.stemilt.com