WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt Growers is giving organic apple shoppers something to smile about this season. The grower/packer/shipper has announced plans to expand its Apple Lover 5 lb pouch bag program, with multiple Artisan Organics™ apple varieties expected to hit shelves at the end of January.
“The Apple Lover pack increases the shopper’s purchase size, so we see a rise in volume, which leads to increased sales for the retailer,” noted Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director, in a press release. “We expect to see a considerable amount of success with the Artisan Organics Apple Lover pack due to the convenience of the bag and the overall increase of the organic category. These varieties will bode well with organic apple shoppers as they are long-lasting varieties that are popular among every age group.”
Pepperl noted that, as organics as a whole continue to flourish, he expects organic apple varieties to engage increasingly well with organic shoppers who consume large amounts of apples each week. New organic additions to the 5 lb program will include popular varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious—all in eye-catching packaging.
“The bag is brightly-colored so it really pops in the refrigerator, encouraging kids and adults alike to grab an apple—resulting in quicker consumption,” said Pepperl. “The capabilities that these Artisan Organics Apple Lover 5 lb. pouch bags have allows retailers to really get creative about how to display the fruit. The DRC’s match the bright and colorful personality of the bag and are essentially like building blocks, so you can make prominent displays to catch the eye of the consumer. Plus, the vibrant color of the Granny Smith variety will really pop against the red varieties, allowing for some fun color blocks.”
According to the company’s press release, Stemilt’s Artisan Organics Apple Lover pack design and packaging was created in-house by the company’s marketing team. Designed for customers who are looking for both high-quality and grab-and-go convenience, Stemilt Apple Lover packs can stand on their own, making it easier for the consumer to store in their refrigerator and for retailers to create unique displays to show off the fruit.
“Today, Stemilt focuses on its Artisan Organics apple program on growing modern varieties that shoppers want,” added Director of Sales, Tate Mathison. “Pouch bags are extremely user-friendly, while organic is a top choice among fresh produce consumers, making the combination of the two very profitable among retailers.”
Stemilt has been in the business of growing organic apples since 1980—when Mathison transitioned a large amount of acreage from conventional to organic. Today, Tate, Tom’s grandson, is focused on ensuring that Stemilt’s Artisan Organics program is consumer-driven.
“Our Artisan Organics program is only getting larger. We are excited to watch the expansion of organics and continue to provide consumers with the flavors they want through the Artisan Organics programs,” added Pepperl—who noted that Stemilt’s organic apple volumes increased by more than 50 percent year-over-year. And, Pepperl concluded, Stemilt predicts continued growth in the organic category.
Stemilt’s Artisan Organics Apple Lover packs will be available until early-summer. For more on new product offerings in fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
