CMI Orchards reports surging demand for specialty organic apples

The approaching new year presents an opportunity for retailers to refresh their produce aisles and captivate shoppers with high-flavor branded organic apples poised for further record-breaking growth in 2025, says CMI Orchards.

“CMI’s lineup of branded organic apples elevates the shopping experience while driving measurable sales growth,” Joel Hewitt, vice president of sales at CMI Orchards, said in a news release. “High-flavor organics offer a powerful fourth tier of selling, surpassing core organic and conventional core and branded options, positioning retailers for success at every buying stage — from capturing incremental sales to creating repeat customers.”

NielsenIQ data over the latest 52-week period ending Nov. 2 showed 47% growth in sales and a 45% increase in volume, according to the release. This surge stands in contrast to core organics, which saw sales decline nearly 6% despite a modest 7% rise in volume, CMI Orchards said. The average price per pound for branded organics, at $2.93, significantly outpaces the $2.18 per pound for core organic varieties (excluding Honeycrisp), the release said.

“These numbers underscore a key point: Consumers are willing to pay a premium for higher-flavor, specialty options, and when shoppers demand more, branded organics deliver,” Danelle Huber, CMI Orchards senior marketing manager, said in the release.

The report indicates several branded organics leading the pack: Ambrosia Gold increased 184% in sales and nearly 21% in volume; Cosmic Crisp rose 60% in sales and 62% in volume; SugarBee surged by 187% in sales and 214% in volume; and Envy continued to gain momentum with a slight increase in sales and nearly 14% in volume.

“Branded organics aren’t just a trend or seasonal fad,” Huber said. “The rise of specialty organics demonstrates a growing commitment to high-quality organic produce that meets consumer expectations for flavor and freshness.”

Huber said CMI Orchards makes selling premium options both effortless and effective thanks to custom omnichannel marketing tools, including digital assets and interactive QR codes on packaging.

“We’re in the business of growing more than fruit — we help our retail partners grow their category,” she said.

CMI Orchards' branded organic offerings feature crowd favorites like Envy, Cosmic Crisp, Ambrosia Gold, Jazz, Kiku, EverCrisp, SugarBee and Kanzi. Hewitt said CMI Orchards' portfolio also includes core variety apples like gala, fuji, granny smith, Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, plus bosc, bartlett and d’anjou, and red pears.

“Consumers want more than just fruit — they want an experience,” Hewitt said. “Bold investments in high-flavor organics, cutting-edge marketing strategies, strong assortment and a steadfast commitment to excellence in sustainability and regenerative farming practices — that’s the CMI secret sauce.”