A Cherry Season’s Grand Finale: Stemilt’s A Half Mile Closer to the Moon® Cherries; Brianna Shales Comments

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt’s picking buckets will soon be full of premium, high-elevation cherries from now until mid-September. A Half Mile Closer to the Moon® cherries are available in late summer to offer retailers a grand finale opportunity to drive cherry sales through the end of the season. Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, shares that volumes were down last season due to record-low temperatures during winter, but 2025 has bounced back with late-season Moon cherry supplies worthy of celebration and promotion until the end.

“While volumes of other cherry locales in Washington begin to dwindle, we’re just getting started on harvesting Moon cherries from our high-altitude orchards in Wenatchee, Washington,” said Shales in the recent release. “In 2024, promotions on Moon cherries were difficult to put into action because our supply was impacted by freezing winter temperatures that mostly affected our high-elevation orchards. Fortunately, weather conditions have breathed life back into the trees, and we’re seeing excellent quality from the crop this year.”

Moon cherries have earned their name because they are grown at 2,640 ft. above sea level and higher, or literally, a half mile closer to the moon. Every pack of these premium morsels is filled with large-size Skeena, Staccato™, and Sentennial™ cherries. These varieties bloom and ripen later in an optimal climate where cooler days and nights allow sweet cherry flavor to develop. Stemilt’s founder and 4th-generation cherry grower, Kyle Mathison, is the brand’s storyteller, believing the moon’s gravitational pulls contribute to a uniquely sweet and crisp eating experience.

“Moon cherries have a juicy, crunchy bite that’s hard to replicate if they were grown anywhere else,” explained Shales. “Inspired by Kyle’s passion, we created a National Holiday called Chant at the Moon Day on August 15, which encourages people to enjoy the deliciousness of these premium, late-season cherries. With great quality backing up volume this year, retailers can tie into Stemilt’s Chant at the Moon Day holiday on August 15 to dedicate a day at retail to Moon cherries.”

A Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries are available in top seal, bag, and clamshell packs that feature a bright moon and a view into the dark, sweet cherries within. Stemilt is always willing to help retailers find success with cherries and can help plan ads and eye-catching displays to make Moon cherries stand out in stores.

“Cherry season isn’t over yet, so keep their space and momentum going,” added Shales. “Moon cherries can be part of keeping the category alive in August and September while supplies dwindle for other varieties. Offering consumers the chance to indulge in one more premium cherry eating experience can help drive last-minute dollars to the category to help you finish the season with a grand finale!”