<p><img class="small-cropped-image" src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacySmallCroppedImages/stemilt_new_apricot_BODY00.jpg" alt="IMAGES - JUNE 5" />Stemilt’s apricot harvest is slated to kick off on June 24th and is expected to reach 200,000 cartons. Not only a leader in terms of volume, the company also has a strong organic program centered on flavor.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">According to Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director, approximately 65% of Stemilt’s apricots are grown and certified organic, and marketed under its Artisan Organics Label.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“The natural farming techniques used in organic production brings orchards into balance from a horticultural standpoint. This combines with the ideal climate in central Washington to produce apricots with vibrant hues and dessert flavors that have the right sugar-to-acid ratio,” said Pepperl.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/stemilt_new_apricot_BODY01.jpg" alt="IMAGES - JUNE 5" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Promotable volumes of the Rival and Perfection varieties are reached quickly after the season starts, with The peak occurring around July 10-12, making post July 4th the ideal time to promote the fruit.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Stemilt has also added a new, resealable, random-weight pouch bag to its organic apricot packaging line-up this year.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“The new pouch bag offers consumers a high-value item in a convenient package. Designed to stand-up on display and in the refrigerator, it’s the perfect item to call attention to the high-flavored organic fruit in the bag,” said Pepperl.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">A QR code on the pouch bag provides consumers with additional information about Stemilt apricots, including nutrition information and who grew them.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“People want to know where their food is coming from. QR codes on packaging allow us to share the unique story of our growers. For apricots, that means consumers are learning about the Douglas family and how they work to elevate the flavor and quality of apricots through organic farming,” said Pepperl.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.stemilt.com/StemiltHome/index_cherries_cta_dual.cfm" target="_new">Stemilt</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
