CMI Orchards’ new-crop apple season is off to a roaring start kicking off with an astonishing 400% increase in Smitten™ production over last season. The variety was cultivated in New Zealand and combines two English varieties, Fiesta and Falstaff, with the more commonly known varieties, Royal Gala and Braeburn. The end result is a remarkably crunchy apple with a sweet bite and delectable tang.
“Retailer demand for Smitten™ has far exceeded our expectations,” said George Harter, Vice President of Marketing at CMI Orchards. “The high amount of interest from across the U.S. and Canada proves consumers are open to trying new varieties and new flavors in their apples.”
The timing and early harvest of Smitten™ provides a great opportunity for retailers. “With the earlier harvest timing of Smitten™, retailers can provide their customers with high-flavor, great tasting apples during the beginning of apple season,” said Harter. “Smitten™ is already one of the top 15 branded apples in the U.S. and this success is despite it being a relatively new apple on the market,” he added. “We see such tremendous potential for this apple and we’re excited to be part of the team in Washington State that grows and markets Smitten™ alongside Honey Bear Tree Fruit Company.”
“Smitten™ growers are really ramping up production in order to meet consumer and retailer demands. We are already projecting an additional 75% increase next season,” said Don Zornes, Smitten Marketing Director at Honey Bear Tree Fruit Company, located in Wenatchee, WA.
Robb Myers, Vice President of Sales at CMI Orchards added, “Smitten™ has a dynamic taste profile that seems to deliver exactly what customers are looking for in an apple. Amazing crunch, perfectly balanced flavor and tons of juice.” Myers added that retailers interested in ordering Smitten™ this season should contact CMI immediately as supplies are limited and won’t last long.
Stop by PMA Fresh Summit booth 4645 to check out the Smitten™ apple, along with the rest of America’s hottest apples grown and sold by CMI Orchards.
CMI Orchards is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality cherries, apples, pears and organics. Based out of Wenatchee, WA, CMI delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cmiorchards.com Smitten™ is a registered trademark of Prevar™ Ltd.
Source: CMI Orchards
