Stemilt hires East Coast merchandising manager

WENATCHEE, WA — Stemilt BB #:113654 is proud to announce the newest addition to its marketing team: Dashan Dookhu, who joins as the company’s East Coast Merchandising Manager.

With more than three decades of experience in the produce industry, Dookhu brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and creativity to support Stemilt’s continued growth and retail success across the eastern U.S. and Canada.

In his new role, Dookhu will oversee merchandising efforts in key markets including Toronto, Montreal, New England, New York, and the Mid-Atlantic region. His focus will be on delivering exceptional service to Stemilt’s retail and wholesale partners while also leading the charge on fun and engaging promotional events, in-store samplings, food shows, and the company’s well-known Cherry and Apple Colleges.

“We’re excited to welcome Dashan to the Stemilt team,” said Brianna Shales, Marketing Director at Stemilt. “He’ll be stepping into the role currently held by our esteemed Sr. Merchandising Manager, Tim Harrington, who is retiring in 2026 after more than 16 remarkable years with us. While we’ll deeply miss Tim and the impact he’s made, we’re equally enthusiastic about the expertise Dashan brings from his keen insight into the retail landscape to his passion for fresh produce and natural talent for growing connections. We’re confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to our retail partners and their shoppers.”

Dookhu joins Stemilt with over 36 years of experience, having held roles with notable retailers including ShopRite and Whole Foods Market. Known for his energy and creativity, Dookhu is poised to be a key player in expanding Stemilt’s presence and enhancing the shopper experience in produce departments across his territory. Based just outside Queens, New York, Dashan brings a strong local connection to one of Stemilt’s main market locations.

“What I’ve always loved about this industry is the people,” said Dookhu. “Meeting them, training them, and watching them grow is the most rewarding experience. Having spent lots of time in the produce and floral world, I understand what resonates in produce departments. I’ve lived it, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with our partners across the East Coast.”

Stemilt’s merchandising program is a cornerstone of its retail support strategy, designed to help retail partners grow the category with premium fruit and effective in-store execution. With dedicated experts like Dashan on the ground, Stemilt continues to elevate the shopper’s experience and drive results at the store level.

“I see this role as more than just merchandising,” added Doohku. “It’s about inspiring confidence, building trust, and helping our retail partners succeed. Whether I’m setting up a promotion or walking a store floor, I’m focused on bringing energy, ideas, and a deep understanding of what drives results in produce.”

About Stemilt
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of apples, pears, and cherries, committed to cultivating World Famous Fruit while caring for people and the planet. With deep roots in the Wenatchee Valley, Stemilt continues to innovate and inspire the future of fresh produce.