WENATCHEE, WASH. – Stemilt’s Artisan Organics peaches and nectarines have made their seasonal debut with excellent quality and “spectacular” color, according to the company.
“Our stone fruit managed the heat well, which resulted in some exceptionally high sugar levels for these early season varieties,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s marketing director. “The color is also very vibrant, so it shines right off the tree. Plus, there is a range of sizing available. It’s going to be a good year for stone fruit.”
Early peach varieties include Sierra Rich, Zee Lady, and August Lady while the Summer Flare series make up the early nectarine varieties. Retailers will have the opportunity for peach and nectarine bulk and bag promotions in the last two weeks of July and first week of August.
Other peak promotion times for peaches include mid-August and early September. For organic nectarines, there will be another peak in late August into early September.
For bags, peaches and nectarines are available in the popular 2lb. organic Lil Snappers pouch bag or the Artisan Organics grab-and-go pouch bag, which is made from 100% recyclable material.
Retailers can also turn to traditional bulk-purchasing methods for their peach and nectarine needs where large jumbo sizing will be plentiful. Both can be packed in a 1-layer euro, a 2-layer metric or euro, or a volume fill. Stemilt’s premium organic peach and nectarine program, Top Pick is also available.
“Top Pick includes fruit that comes from the top and upper parts of the tree, which typically have the best colors and flavors,” explained Shales. “Because the program only offers the very best fruit, it removes the guessing game for the consumer and they can purchase stone fruit confidently.”
Stemilt partners with the Douglas Family, who is located in Pasco, Washington. This region, which is settled in the southeastern corner of the state, is a great locale to grow organics due to the dry climate, hot days and lack of fog and moisture. The Douglas family are experienced stone fruit growers, farming in the region for many decades and perfecting growing practices.
“The Douglas Family is methodical in their growing habits, waiting until sugar levels and ripeness are just right before they harvest,” said Shales. “If fruit isn’t meeting their standards, they will come back and pick an additional one or two times if the fruit needs more time on the tree. Their patience pays off because Stemilt’s Artisan Organics stone fruit is exactly what your category needs to thrive.”