New Report Shows KIKU Brand Apples Are Setting Records
June 18, 2015 | 2 min to read
A newly released Category Statistics (CatStat™) report released by Columbia Marketing International (CMI) shows that KIKU® apples had the highest growth rate of any apple in the Top 40. According to Nielsen scan data, during the four-week period ending April 25, 2015, KIKU® sales surged by 484% and KIKU® volume was up a stunning 615%. In March (when apple sales historically decline), KIKU® sales soared and are continuing to set summer records.
Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, attributes this growth to the fact that more consumers are discovering the superior sweetness of KIKU® apples, which is forging repeat sales. “The study evaluated KIKU® performance data in retail chains all over the U.S.,” he said. “There are some critically different approaches used by top retailers, for apple sales, that supermarket chains at the back of the pack simply don’t use.” Lutz added that the CatStat™ report provides retailers with secrets to key sales success. “Displaying, merchandising, telling the story and running promotions—all of these tools can be used by any retailer, of any size, to maximize sales,” he said.
According to Robb Myers, Vice President of Imports for CMI, premium imported KIKU® arriving from New Zealand and Chile are taking the program one step closer to having year-round availability. “Our customers are leveraging the success they have had with our domestic KIKU® crop and are maximizing profits by rolling right into imported fruit,” he said.
Click here for the full report.
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About KIKU® brand apples
Steadily growing in popularity, KIKU® apples have gained a devoted following among apple connoisseurs who adore their super sweet flavor and overall aromatic intensity. KIKU® apples are very exotic with a super sweet taste, crunchy flesh, and high juice content. Visually, KIKU® apples stand out from the crowd, with their distinctive striping and ruby-red coloration. Perfect for snacking, salads and cooking, KIKU® apples are incredibly versatile. KIKU® is a registered trademark of KIKU® Srl-GmbH, Italy.
Learn about the KIKU® Alliance
KIKU® brand apples come from select growers in strategic regions across the United States. CMI and its growers in Washington State (Columbia Fruit Packers) were given the opportunity to develop the North American market for KIKU® and thus formed the KIKU® brand Alliance. KIKU® brand apples are now proudly grown in the U.S. and around the world by a select group of orchardists. Within the USA, CMI in Wenatchee, WA, Applewood Orchards in Deerfield, MI and Rice Fruit Company in Gardners, PA grow KIKU® apples.
Source: Columbia Marketing International (CMI)