Get them while you can: Angelcots aim for higher 2028 yields

Selling out on a crop is one level of great success. However, selling out before the season even begins, as specialty produce firm Frieda's did with its Angelcot branded, white-flesh apricot program, is a whole other measure of triumph. 

Offerings for the current year are no longer available, so the company said retailers should begin discussing 2027 programs immediately.

"The best time to express interest is now! March and April make the ideal window to commit to the Angelcot program. By May, we can begin narrowing down expected harvest timing and finalize allocations more accurately," a spokesperson explained to FreshFruitPortal.com.

The good news is that Frieda’s projects a 20 percent production increase for 2028, courtesy of favorable weather conditions and tree performance. The company also has two orchards at different stages of maturity, so production naturally varies depending on how each responds to the growing season. 

Merchandising helps Angelcots buck category trends

According to Frieda's, retailers have driven strong sales by merchandising Angelcots as a seasonal destination item.

The company said the brand generated 32 percent dollar growth and 34 percent unit growth during the 12-week period overlapping the 2026 season. Conversely, Circana retail data cited by the firm showed the overall fresh apricot category declined 4.5 percent in dollar sales and 8.4 percent in unit sales over the same period.

"Many feature them prominently at the front of the store to capture shoppers' attention during the short season instead of placing them within the regular stone fruit set,” the executive noted. “Others highlight Angelcots as a featured stone fruit for one to two weeks, incorporating them into rotating varietal promotions that create excitement and urgency."

The company also noted that two national retailers incorporated Angelcots into their seasonal stone fruit programs in 2026. Regional retailers across California and the East Coast also carried the fruit.

Early crop

Despite the harvest arriving about two weeks ahead of schedule, Frieda's said promotions adapted without disruption.

"Our retail partners were flexible with their promotional plans and were excited to get Angelcots to consumers even earlier than expected," the spokesperson said.

With supply remaining limited, Frieda's said it works with retailers to tailor to their specific needs.

"We work closely with each retail partner to right-size allocations. The goal isn't to limit supply but to ensure every retailer has enough fruit to keep product moving while minimizing shrink," they added.

*All photos courtesy of Frieda's Branded Produce.

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