Stemilt Growers added another year of Role Model recognition for its work to support Produce for Better Health Foundation and its goal of increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. This is the 11th consecutive year that Stemilt has been recognized as a Role Model. The company was the first industry/non-retail company to receive the status back in 2007.

Stemilt earned Role Model status by working to increase familiarity of PBH and its Fruits & Veggies - More Matters consumer campaign. The company promotes the message on packaging, retail displays and through digital marketing, including their website and social channels.

“It’s an honor to advocate for the great work that PBH does for our industry,” said Roger Pepperl, marketing director at Stemilt. “Achieving Role Model status each year is not done for the recognition of Stemilt, but rather to help consumers enjoy more servings of wholesome fruits and veggies.”

The award recognition was part of PBH’s annual Consumer Connections conference held in late April in Scottsdale, AZ. During the event, PBH unveiled a new consumer movement to replace More Matters. The movement is called Have a Plant and serves to educate the public and shift fruit and vegetable behaviors among today’s consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.

“The excitement and energy around Have a Plant is just what our produce world needs,” said Pepperl. “Inspiring more consumers, and especially the next generation of shoppers, to eat fruits and veggies as a way to live healthy and happy lives is going to be a fun message to help spread.”

Pepperl was also named a PBH Ambassador at the conference. Ambassadors are chosen based off of the advocacy work they do with PBH members and the greater produce and supermarket industry.