Kanzi Apple Season Hits Peak Season Volume, Sales Gains Lead Category
March 17, 2016 | 2 min to read
Shipments of U.S. grown Kanzi® brand apples are peaking and over the next few weeks will set new records for retail sales performance. During the past 52 weeks, flavor-intense Kanzi® have been one of the brightest stars of the apple category, increasing in sales by over 87%.
Robb Myers, Vice President of Sales at CMI reports retail interest in Kanzi® is very high. “Kanzi® apples are really turning heads at the retail level,” said Myers. “Over the past year, apple category dollars are down, yet Kanzi® is still driving incredible growth.”
Myers says that between March 15 and May 1, sales of Kanzi® apples in the U.S. peak. “This is the time for Kanzi®,” said Myers. “Kanzi® flavor develops in storage so we release it in late winter just as sales momentum in the apple category is beginning to slow.”
“There is nothing like a new item to invigorate category sales,” said Myers.
Myers added that the season for Washington State grown Kanzi® apples extends through the end of April when imported Kanzi® arrive from New Zealand.
Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, says national retail scan data results document the strong performance by Kanzi®. According to Lutz, Nielsen data reveals that over the past year, Kanzi® had the number one dollar growth rate among the 35 best-selling varieties in the U.S.
“We’re seeing Kanzi® selling successfully in nearly 3,500 stores nationally,” said Lutz. “The next six weeks are prime time for retailers to let their shoppers try this spectacular new apple.”
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Learn about where Kanzi® apples are grown
Kanzi® 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 Kanzi® and thus formed the Kanzi® brand alliance with Applewood Orchards in MI.
About CMI
Columbia Marketing International (CMI) is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality apples, pears, cherries and organics. Based in Wenatchee, WA, CMI delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cmiapples.com
Contact Person: Katharine Grove, Marketing Specialist -Phone: 509-888-3427, or 509-885-0444 Fax: 509-888-3418 Email: Katharineg@cmiapples.com URL: www.cmiapples.com
Kanzi® is a registered trademark of GKE NV.
Source: Columbia Marketing International (CMI)