In the US, Stemilt is pushing its signature apple variety, Piñata, as the perfect apple for promoting in the produce department during upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Harvested in mid-October each year, Stemilt has steadily expanded the supply and season for Piñata since adopting it as an exclusive apple variety back in 2004.
Today, Stemilt is able to consistently supply Piñata apples from the time the fruit harvests until June, making Cinco de Mayo, held every 5 May, an ideal new promotional window for Piñata.
“The quality and condition of this year’s Piñata apple crop is fantastic,” said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director. “Beautiful colour, high Brix (sugars), and balanced acids. Piñata is an apple that gets better every year, and is the perfect tie-in to Cinco de Mayo promotions being held in early May in produce departments.”
During the 2015/16 season, Piñata apples were featured in over 7,000 supermarkets in the US, with additional distribution in export markets including Canada. This season, Stemilt has found success with Piñata apples in Mexico, thanks to the apple’s high Brix (sugar) flavour profile and Golden Delicious roots.
“Bulk Piñata apples should be on display along with promotion in produce departments leading up to and during Cinco de Mayo,' Pepperl added. 'Retailers can also use one of our pouch bag options as an in-and-out to drive impulse sales. Lil Snappers 3lb pouch bags are ideal for reaching parents and kids, while the 5lb bag appeals to apple lovers everywhere.'
