Stemilt Kicks Off 50th Anniversary

Stemilt Growers kicked off its 50th year with a retro anniversary carton for apples that features a white box adorned with the familiar Stemilt logo and ladybug, which was originally designed by Stemilt’s late founder, Tom Mathison, and used for many years to distinguish the brand at retail and other worldwide markets.

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt’s commemorative anniversary carton follows the original design but keeps the “World Famous Fruit” tagline with the company logo and shows off a special 50th year anniversary emblem that highlights the important company milestone. The World Famous Fruit tagline was the vision of Tom’s son and fourth generation apple, pear and cherry grower, Kyle Mathison.

According to Stemilt Marketing Director Roger Pepperl, the apple anniversary carton has began making its way to retailers in recent weeks. In addition to the white box, there is a blue and a red version for other grades.

Pepperl said the company plans to use the 50th anniversary emblem with its traditional white box for cherries this summer, and will have a retro pear label to match the 50th year look beginning in August.

“The anniversary carton series is just one way we will be celebrating this milestone in 2014,” said Pepperl. “The 50 year emblem, designed in-house, will appear throughout our marketing efforts, including cartons, collateral, website, and more.”

Added Stemilt President West Mathison: “The 50th year anniversary is a huge milestone for our family and the entire Stemilt team. 2014 will be an exciting year as we honor our past accomplishments, while continuing to build towards the future.”

As the leading shipper of sweet cherries and the largest supplier of organic tree fruits in the nation, Stemilt has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program.