CMI Sees Growth in Organic Sales

Over the past decade, CMI Orchards has continued to invest significantly in overall organic growth, bringing to market club organics such as Ambrosia, KIKU®, Kanzi®, Jazz™, Envy™, Smitten® and EverCrisp® apples. CMI Orchards’ overall organic apple production is up 25.5 percent over last year, and organic pear production is up 73.2 percent. Additional growth is expected in the new year.

Organic gala apples

CMI's branded organic apples continue to demonstrate solid performance. 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. CMI leadership anticipates the organic Envy variety will continue to accelerate to the top position to match the conventional variety. Currently, 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.

Expanding in Private Label 

CMI’s Daisy Girl Organics label held the #1 position for the top-selling organic apple and pear brand in the U.S.A. for several years running.

Daisy Girl Organics™ Pouch Bags

However, with the introduction of many private label organic brands, 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,” explained Marketing Specialist Danelle Huber.

CMI orchards are located in Washington State which is known as one of the premier growing areas in the world for apples, pears and cherries. The nutrient-rich soil, arid climate, plentiful water, and advanced growing practices provide the right ingredients for producing fruit such as organic apples, pears and cherries.

“We’re very pleased with this growth. 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,” commented Brand Manager Rochelle Bohm. “CMI is positioned to support retailers focused on offering their customers new and exciting products that drive sales and satisfy organic shoppers year-round. We’re poised to continue this growth in the new year with some organic promotions.”

Article by Fresh Plaza