WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt Growers is prepping for its biggest Honeycrisp apple season yet, calling it the realization of a long-awaited dream. The Washington State-based company has expanded acreage which, resulting in more apples and lengthened availability for the high-demand variety.
“Our Honeycrisp acreage has increased drastically over the last few years,” said Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, in a press release. “That expansion gives us an increased supply of Honeycrisp apples which results in longer availability and beautiful, flavorful, high-quality fruit.”
In addition to the conventional crop of the variety currently being harvested, with availability expected through early summer 2018, Stemilt said it also nearly tripled its organic Honeycrisp supply in just one year’s time.
“Our organic supply is increasing with multiple varieties, however Honeycrisp has the most growth in a single year,” Shales explained. “The Honeycrisp apple is extremely sought after by shoppers and Stemilt continues on its endless journey to find apples that appease their taste buds.”
A journey which led to its Inspiration Orchard™ launched in 2016, taglined by fifth-generation farmer, company, and designer of the program President West Mathison “Where Flavors Grow” to seek out apple varieties that consumers will love tomorrow.
Expanding Honeycrisp fits right in with the philosophy. Currently, the team said it is seeking new strains with better colors, flavors, and overall qualities due to the popularity of Honeycrisp.
“Between that and our experience out in the field, Stemilt is setting a high bar when it comes to Honeycrisp flavor,” Shales noted. “There is a lot of attention in the field to ensure properly coloring Honeycrisp. Every apple is hand-picked, its stem clipped to prevent punctures and bruising, and then hand-placed into a bin. We’ve learned a great deal over the past decade about Honeycrisp and all of these little details are resulting in fruit with great finish and eating qualities.”
With so much growth and development, Stemilt is already planning for the future with new programs, including Honeyhill™, the upcoming spring launch of their pilot program for premium Honeycrisp.
“This year is going to be a successful one,” states Shales. “This expansion has been progressing well over the last several years, so to see it come to life is an exciting time for us. Shoppers everywhere have been asking for more Honeycrisp, and we know they will love the qualities of the Honeycrisp that we grow.”
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