Dec 13, 2019

Stemilt awarded Progressive Grocer’s 2019 Category Advisor

Wenatchee, Washington-based Stemilt Growers was awarded Progressive Grocer’s 2019 Category Advisor for its ready-to-eat ripened pear program, RipeRite, and Operation Flavor initiative. Progressive Grocer’s category awards are presented to shopper-centric companies who utilize data analysis to evaluate promotions and their sales impact.

“Stemilt is honored to be named a Progressive Grocer Category Advisor for 2019,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s senior marketing manager. “Our RipeRite™ program and Operation Flavor initiative work together to elevate a declining pear category and make it into something great for consumers.”

Stemilt’s RipeRite and Operation Flavor programs are designed to deliver d’Anjou and Red d’Anjou pears to retail at near-ripe and ready-to-eat stage. Data has shown that retailers who carry ripened fruit sell fruit faster since it is ready to eat soon after purchase.

“Retailers who have fully immersed themselves into this program have instant pear category success,” explains Shales.

Stemilt’s Category Advisor nomination was based on data insights from a Northeastern grocery chain who started carrying Stemilt’s RipeRite program pears in January 2019. By May, the retailer had achieved double-digit volume and dollar lifts compared to the year prior, boosting its pear category and overall produce sales.

“We are thrilled to watch the success of this program for retailers,” explains Shales. “We have been utilizing data points through Stemilt’s Fruit Tracker category management program for more than a decade. This  allows us to help improve category performance for our retail partners .”