CMI Orchards Highlights Kanzi as the Ultimate Apple for Holiday Baking and Cooking

Wenatchee, WA—With holiday baking season quickly approaching, CMI Orchards is well-positioned to meet growing demand for Kanzi® apples, the bold, full-flavored variety that is quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens across the country. With its signature sweet-tart balance, exceptional juiciness, and versatility in both sweet and savory recipes, Kanzi® is perfectly suited for everything from pies to stuffing, salads, and holiday side dishes.

Adding to the variety’s momentum, Kanzi® recently unveiled refreshed packaging centered around “Power to Go,” positioning the apple as a naturally energizing snack for active lifestyles, with a power-packed punch of sweet and tangy flavor.

“Kanzi® checks every box for today’s shoppers,” said Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing for CMI Orchards. “It delivers an incredible eating experience straight out of hand, but it truly shines during the holiday season when consumers are baking, cooking, and sharing meals with family and friends. We’re seeing Kanzi stand out in Apple Crush™ flavor preference data, highlighting that consumers are hungry for a flavor that packs punch.”

Apple Crush™ is CMI’s proprietary apple matching tool, designed to translate consumer preferences into practical merchandising opportunities. Users simply answer a few questions before their apple match is revealed. Apple Crush™ helps retailers make more informed assortment and promotional decisions while energizing the category. In the program’s first year, Kanzi® earned the No. 2 spot among Apple Crush™ quiz-takers nationally, a testament to the variety’s exceptional flavor, repeat purchase potential, and growing consumer demand.

“The Apple Crush™ results reinforce what we’ve been hearing from consumers and retail partners alike,” added Bohm. “People are discovering Kanzi® and quickly making it a repeat purchase because of its consistently exceptional flavor and versatility.”

As retailers prepare for increased holiday demand, Kanzi® offers a compelling opportunity to drive category excitement and inspire seasonal purchases. Whether featured in pies, crisps, muffins, charcuterie boards, or enjoyed fresh as a snack, Kanzi® delivers the flavor, crunch, and culinary flexibility consumers seek throughout the holiday season.

For recipes, product information, and merchandising inspiration, visit kanziusa.com or contact your CMI sales representative.