WENATCHEE, WA - Though fall apple picking trips may feel like a sweet and distant memory, apples themselves are still at the forefront of produce departments as category sales are thriving. To better understand this market climb, I spoke with Steve Lutz, Senior Strategist, and Rochelle Bohm, Brand Manager, at CMI Orchards on the success its apples are experiencing.

"From what we are hearing from our global partners, Kanzi® is the number one emerging apple brand in Europe," said Bohm. "KIKU®, JAZZ™, and Pacific Rose™ are also soaring to new heights, and Envy™ and Ambrosia™ apples have a huge global prominence with extreme popularity. Envy™ carries the highest retail of all apples with some of the strongest consumer demand we've seen of any apple-topping even the coveted Honeycrisp, according to Nielsen Perishables Group data."

"The Ambrosia™ is so popular as a branded apple variety, that it now ranks 8th overall in total sales in the U.S.," said Steve Lutz, Senior Strategist at CMI Orchards, attributing the stats again to Nielsen Perishables Group.

"We are extremely proud to be the only grower that grows, ships, and markets all of the world's hottest apples. Competitors may carry one or two, here or there, but CMI carries them all—Jazz™, Envy™, Pacific Rose™, KIKU®, Kanzi®, and Ambrosia™," said Bohm. "CMI is a one-stop shop offering the winning six apple brands poised for success."

Bohm added that CMI has a winning trifecta with some of the world's hottest branded apples, year-round availability with strong domestic grower alliances and import partnerships, and branded organic apple offerings.

"In addition to the success our conventional club apples are experiencing, data continues to show the success of CMI's Daisy Girl Organics™ brand," said Lutz. "Nielsen data shows that CMI holds the number one selling organic apple package in the United States with our 2 lb. Gala pouch bag. Sales of our Daisy Girl 2 lb. Gala are so strong we out-perform all other organic brands, private label brands and unbranded organic packages. No other company can make that statement."

CMI hopes to drive sales and profits for retailers as its suite of brands continue to gain momentum in the U.S. and abroad.

To follow the progress of rising apple varieties and the continued expansion market-wide into organic offerings, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

CMI Orchards