October 13, 2023 WENATCHEE, Wash. – Like an apple on a tree, Stemilt BB #:113654 welcomes growth and shares a passion for freshness with retailers this year at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS).
Setting the stage for apple season, Stemilt will bring a new crop of opportunities to its booth with a new lineup of Artisan Organics sustainable apple packs, Aura and Kissabel apples, and a pear with especially happy attributes. The tree fruit grower encourages visitors to sample its new apple and pear varieties while being amazed by magician David Harris.
“We can’t wait to share with retailers the strategic growth that has come to light with this year’s crop of apples and pears, and Stemilt specifically,” said Stemilt marketing director, Brianna Shales. “Volume is up and we’re growing more club varieties and organics. We’re looking forward to the many opportunities this crop will bring for retailers and to partner with them to find success together.”
As retailers explore the Stemilt booth, they’ll find new items to position them for success during this year’s quality crop of apples and pears. As organics climb in volume this year, a new Stemilt sustainable package, called the EZ Band, is designed for bulk organic apples to help capture ring at the register and move organic volume in a convenient pack.
A whole new lineup of Artisan Organics apples are now available in the EZ Band including core varieties such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith and club apples like SweeTango and Cosmic Crisp. The EZ Band pack will be featured in the fresh ideas showcase at GPFS as a sustainable package.
“We feel the EZ Band is going to be the season’s superhero for selling bulk organic apples in stores and online,” said Shales. “What’s great about the EZ Band is it ensures organic ring at the register in one scannable unit and appeals to the organic shopper with 100% paper-board packaging. It’s easy to stock, easy to shop and helps retailers secure their organic dollars while reducing some of the labor involved. Lil Snappers pouch bags are another convenient item to offer in the organic category for consumers. With our growth in organic apples and pears, Artisan Organics Lil Snappers are perfect for parents to grab and go, or for anyone who enjoys a smaller piece of fruit!”
An especially happy fruit will also be available for tasting at Stemilt’s booth at GPFS this year, called Happi Pear. Happi Pear is a green pear with a signature red blush that is best eaten when green or yellow. It’s sweet, with a bright and zesty bite that encourages consumers to find happiness in life’s simple moments, like when eating a Happi Pear.
“Happi Pear is all about offering consumers a different pear eating experience with its unexpected bite,” said Shales. “We’re just getting started with Happi Pear so retailers can position it as a new, special treat for consumers to try if they find it. It’s grown right here in Washington where warm, sunny days and experienced growers help Happi Pear® bring a smile to anyone’s day.”
Also, in the fresh ideas showcases will feature Stemilt’s Aura apples. Aura is a Stemilt exclusive variety being a natural cross of a Honeycrisp and Aurora apple. It brings a new yellow apple eating experience to the table with burst of honey and melon flavors.
“We subtly introduced Aura last year at GPFS and heard great things about its flavor and crispness, which is unique in the yellow apple world,” said Shales. “We also have red-fleshed apples, called Kissabel® to share at the show during their limited availability in October.”
Amidst the new apples and pear varieties Stemilt has to offer this year at GFPS, it welcomes its visitors to be amazed by magician David Harris. David will bring Stemilt varieties to light in a way visitors may not have seen before.
Prefacing the show, Stemilt will show a video ahead of the highly anticipated State of the Industry address by Cathy Burns. The video shares the company’s passion for producing World Famous Fruit with freshness at the forefront of every step.
“Stemilt is centered around freshness, flavor and quality for World Famous Fruit, and that’s what we hope to share this year at GPFS with retailers,” said Shales. “While we’re bringing new items to the table, this has all been part of the plan for years to come and we’re excited to see it come to fruition in this year’s crop. Be sure to stop by booth 2847 to sample new apple and pear flavors and be amazed by a magic show unlike you’ve ever seen!”
About Stemilt
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers through excellence with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible
Contact Information:
Brianna Shales
Brianna.shales@stemilt.com
Marketing Director
