WENATCHEE, WA - The latest variety to Stemilt’s lineup, Rave™ was introduced to the Big Apple last Thursday evening when the family-owned company hosted a dinner event for 40 noteworthies in journalism. The Rave apple brought attendees to the table, including representatives from O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, and multiple Yelp Elites.
“We are ecstatic to have this opportunity to share Rave with numerous influential journalists,” stated Communications Manager Brianna Shales. “We are excited to rave about this unique variety and what better way to begin introducing it to the world than with a Rave-inspired dinner in the Big Apple.”
The Rave-inspired dinner was held in Midtown and featured Rave apples in fresh applications, as the exceptionally juicy variety is less suitable for baking and cooking. Chef Matt Walker created savory and spicy hors d'oeuvres, a chopped Rave apple salad and celery-apple gazpacho, plus three entrees and an apple beignet for dessert. Attendees learned more about Stemilt and the unique qualities of Rave throughout the evening.
“The apple lived up to its name and received rave reviews from everyone who attended. Although we have limited supplies this year, we believe it’s important to share Rave with food media to build momentum for years to come,” said Shales. “Telling Rave’s story through events like this one is just one of the many ways that Stemilt builds a foundation for its new proprietary varieties.”
Stemilt is well-known for building strong foundations for its numerous brands. The company encourages transparency through storytelling and engaging consumer interest. In fact, the Center for Food Integrity conducted a study in 2015 that displayed consumers want transparency when it comes to food product labeling and ingredients. They also want businesses to be transparent about their practices.
“We have been very transparent with consumers about how our products come to be–through natural cross-pollination and many years of hard work with the best researchers in the country,” said Shales. “We work hard to build up these brands, like Rave apples, so when consumers see Rave and other Stemilt products in store, they know they are getting the best.”
Rave is the result of natural cross-pollination between the Honeycrisp and MonArk varieties. Rave is an extremely juicy apple with a refreshing crunch and has an outrageously snappy zing. Rave gets its bright, fuchsia-like coloring from summer heat, allowing it to ripen and harvest before any other apple in Washington State. Rave apples will be in stores for a short time in select stores this season, but that will grow significantly as the crop multiples in years to come.
