CMI Orchards unveils Ambrosia Gold apples in Hero packaging

CMI Orchards has introduced Ambrosia Gold apples in Hero packaging, combining Ambrosia apples with a kid-friendly, empowering program for the back-to-school season.

Vice President of Sales Joel Hewitt said in a news release that this pairing offers retailers a turnkey program to attract parents looking for healthy lunchbox snacks for the school year ahead.

“We’re empowering kids to think big and do good with a positive overall message: The Power to be a Hero is in your hands,” Hewitt said. “Adding Ambrosia Gold to the Hero snack apple lineup gives parents a delicious, nutritious option for school lunches.”

Hewitt added that Ambrosia Gold is one of the bestselling and most popular branded apples available.

“The back-to-school season is a prime time for increased store foot traffic as families prepare for the new school year,” Danelle Huber, senior marketing manager, said in the release. “Offering parents solutions for convenient, healthy snack and lunchbox options at this time of year is a win-win for busy families and retailers looking to drive incremental sales.”

Ambrosia Gold apples are known for their honey-sweet flavor and superior quality, making them a favorite among consumers, according to the release. A recent consumer survey conducted in April 2024 by Category Partners and CMI Orchards highlighted the appeal of Ambrosia Gold, even when blindly tasted next to other top-performing core and branded apples, the company said.

“Not only did CMI’s Ambrosia Gold outperform gala (which we consider its core comparable apple), but it beat every variety we tested,” Huber said. “With exceptional ratings in all major categories — including flavor, appearance and texture — these results solidify its position as the top choice for consumers and kids looking for a delicious and high-quality eating experience.”

Huber shared tips in the release to maximize the promotion through POS signage and by tapping into various cross-promotional opportunities.

“Pairing Hero snack apples with other back-to-school essentials, such as nut butter, juice boxes and granola bars can drive higher basket sizes and overall sales,” Huber said. “Cross-merchandising enhances the personalization of the shopping experience for parents, making it even easier for them to grab everything they need as quickly and conveniently as possible.”

CMI Orchards has pop-up display bins and 7-by-11 signage for retailers to build a back-to-school destination, Huber said.

CMI Orchards’ back-to-school program commences mid-August and continues throughout the full school year, Hewitt added. “As long as there are lunchboxes to pack, parents are searching for healthy, nutritious snacks for their kids. This presents the opportunity for retailers to come to the rescue.”