CMI Orchards salutes veterans with American Dream apples

Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards says its ready to keep up traditions and let its dedication to the American Dream shine this Veterans Day.

A semi-truck emblazoned with “Honoring Our Soldiers” messaging pays homage to the brave men and women in uniform who courageously defended freedom, CMI President Bob Mast said in a news release. The truck will be part of the local Veterans Day parade Nov.  10, in Wenatchee, the release said.

“Our vision was to create a program that was impactful, proudly American, and inspiring and we’re incredibly grateful to be able to give back locally as well as nationally,” Mast said in the release.

The celebration will continue at the Wenatchee chapter of the American Legion, where fresh American Dream apples will be shared with local veterans in a show of gratitude, the release said.

Throughout the holiday weekend, CMI will also offer special promotions within their local community to honor veterans, partnering with local retailers to offer free apples, Mast said.

CMI Orchards says its American Dream program goes beyond symbolic gestures. Mast said that for every box of American Dream apples sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to a cause that supports veteran and military groups, as well as their families, chosen by participating retail partners supporting the communities they operate in.

Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project, Soldiers’ Angels, and Vets Serving Vets are among the organizations to benefit from this initiative to date, the release said.

Danelle Huber, CMI Orchards senior marketing manager, said the American Dream program is versatile.

“Not only can retailers capitalize on this program to drive sales in the produce department throughout the year, but it’s highly customizable individually,” Huber said in the release. "Even the give-back component can be personalized, with retailers able to choose any local, regional, or national cause that really aligns with their company or customer base.”

The program includes all CMI Orchards’ core apples and cherries, dished up in pouch bags, poly bags and clamshell packaging to produce an impactful in-store presentation, Huber said.

CMI Orchards encourages retailers to join the American Dream program and contribute to the cause, the release said. By offering American Dream apples, retailers can express support for veterans, engage customers with unique packaging and make a positive difference in their communities, the release said.

For more information on CMI Orchards’ American Dream program, visit the CMI website.