Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards reports that its overall organic apple production is up 25.5% over last year and organic pear production is up 73.2%, with more gains to come.
Over the past ten years, CMI Orchards has invested significantly in overall organic growth, including organic club apple varieties such as Ambrosia, Kiku, Kanzi, Jazz, Envy, Smitten and EverCrisp, according to a news release.
CMI’s branded organic apples continue to demonstrate solid performance, the release said. According to Nielsen Fresh Facts, Ambrosia, Kanzi, and Jazz have the highest distribution of any branded organic apples, taking the top three positions for the past 52 weeks.
Organic Envy, a newcomer to the organic market in 2019, has realized significant volume gains this year, according to the release.
CMI leadership, the release said, anticipates the organic Envy variety will continue to accelerate to the top position to match the conventional variety. Currently, the release said Envy holds the highest retail pricing of any organic branded apple, with a $3.00 per pound average.
More than 10 years ago, CMI developed the Daisy Girl Organics brand to help retailers capture incremental sales for organic apples, pears and cherries.
CMI’s Daisy Girl Organics label held the top position for the top-selling organic apple and pear brand in the U.S. for several years running, according to the release. However, with the introduction of many private label organic brands, the release said Daisy Girl branded sales have been reallocated to support retailer demand for private label programs.
“Our organic growth remains strong and we’ve proven that we are one of the best year-round organic suppliers in the industry,” Danelle Huber, marketing specialist for CMI, said in the release.
CMI executives said the supplier is well-positioned to help retailers promote organic fruit.
“We’re very pleased with this growth,” brand manager Rochelle Bohm said in the release. “The new year is the perfect time to commit to health and wellness and many shoppers choose to do this by opting for organic products. With the highest number of club apples of any shipper, and award-winning sales tools, we’re poised to continue this growth in the new year with some incredible organic promotions.”
