WENATCHEE, WA - Cherry season offers one of the most attractive windows of the year for fresh produce sales, as CMI Orchards tells me. Cherries are typically an impulse buy, so building secondary displays will be the key to boosting sales this season. According to Danelle Huber, Senior Marketing Manager, this strategy delivers up to a 30 percent spike in sales.

“Retailers can engage shoppers in multiple ways, both in-store and in the online shopping experience. Offering a range of channels, such as digital ads, in-store displays, and mobile app information appeals to customers who prefer varied methods of shopping. This approach ensures retailers can capture impulse purchases from every angle,” Danelle adds. “CMI’s omnichannel marketing capabilities and large selection of cherries makes us uniquely positioned to help retailers get the most out of this season.”

As Joel Hewitt, Domestic Sales/Organic Manager, explains, the Northwest cherry season typically runs from June through August. As of this past weekend, CMI Orchards is in full bloom. Not only will the orchards be in their most striking stage of the year, but it’ll signal the start of cherry season.

“Our peak of the season this year is expected to span the whole month of July,” Joel continues. “This can change slightly on varying weather conditions, but so far, things are looking excellent and on track for our expectations.”

Joel goes on to note that last year’s cherry crop was compromised due to challenging weather conditions. This year, CMI is optimistic that retailers are going to get more bang for their buck on advertising throughout the majority of the summer, with boosted volume and exceptional quality forecasted. While it’s still too early to be certain of what the season holds, CMI optimistically expects a strong, healthy crop.

“Our cherry lineup is looking really gorgeous this year, and we’re proud to bring the best fruit in the industry to this exciting, high-impact season!” Danelle chimes in. “Among our branded programs, we have fan favorites Strawberry Cherries and Skylar Rae®, two of our most popular branded options. Skylar Rae is by far the sweetest cherry you’ll ever eat, and Strawberry Cherries’ darling freckles with hints of fresh summer strawberries have people waiting for their return every single year.”

CMI will also have Red and Rainier cherries available in the Daisy Girl Organics™ line. As well-established and familiar as the branding is to customers, this program effortlessly captures incremental sales from health-focused consumers.

Recently, CMI also released its Cherry Sales Guide, which goes in depth with the grower’s available varieties and programs, Danelle tells me.

With all of this and much more in store for the 2023 cherry season, CMI Orchards is one impressive partner to keep close to your produce department.

CMI Orchards