WENATCHEE, WA – Doing its part to keep the industry eager for the innovations to be unveiled at upcoming PMA Fresh Summit, CMI Orchards has announced that Grapple® Fruits, LLC, will launch its new tart Grapples® at the event.

“Like new apple varieties, the data indicates our new tart Grapple® product will be highly successful in capturing the interest of shoppers keen try something new, while attracting past customers to repurchase Grapples®,” stated Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI Orchards. 

According to a press release, the new tart offering will be available mid-October and will be offered in tandem with the ever-popular sweet Grapple® line. The line was developed from direct feedback from consumers, and based on the strong sales of the original Grapple® product. 

"We’ve had so many consumers tell us they love Grapples®, but their kids want tart apples,” said Todd Snyder, President of Grapple® Fruits, LLC. “We tested our new tart Grapples® directly with children and the results were overwhelmingly positive.”

The company emphasized that because its consumers are loyal and big-ticket shoppers, the expansion of the Grapple® line will increase the value of the brand for retailers. To further engage consumers with the tart taste of the new line, the tart Grapples® will be released in new packaging in order to spark enthusiasm at the store shelf and boost sales.

“Loyalty card basket analysis shows that Grapple buyers are not only loyal, they are also strong shoppers for high value products like deli cheeses, expensive cuts of meat, fine wines and other large transaction items. Grapple® brand apples are a key item in satisfying these shoppers and building transaction size,” continued Snyder.

CMI Orchards and Rainier Fruit Company both expect strong sales through from the fall throughout the winter with both sweet and tart Grapples® rounding out retailers selections. Rainier Fruit Company indicated that consumers and retailers will have increased opportunities with the product due to multiple facings on the shelf. 

“There really is no product substitute for Grapples®,” said Aaron DeHerrera. “When Grapples® sell out, there is no alternative product for consumers so shoppers are forced to either completely forego a purchase or drive to a competing chain to find them.”

Tart Grapples® are currently packing and available to ship.

Going to PMA Fresh Summit? Sample and sneak a peek at the new selection at Grapple® Fruits’ booth #3926.

CMI Orchards Grapple® Fruits, LLC