Ambrosia™ apples on fire, retail volume jumps 93%
For the four weeks ending April 2, 2016, Nielsen FreshFacts® reports that volume sales of Ambrosia™ apples jumped by 93%, the fastest growth rate of any apple variety in the top 25. According to Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, sales of Ambrosia™ apples have been incredible, citing the most recent Nielsen
data which shows Ambrosia™ apples were the 8th highest selling apple for the month and generated the largest volume increase of any major apple variety.
“The success retailers are having with Ambrosia™ this year is tremendous,” said Lutz. “But even more amazing is that while Ambrosia™ apples are one of the hottest sellers in the category only about 60% of supermarkets had them on the shelf.”
Lutz says it reminds him of when Honeycrisp were getting started a few years ago and distribution was spotty. “A lot of our retailers are using Ambrosia™ to boost performance while many others simply don’t understand there is a huge missed sales opportunity.”
Nielsen data shows that apple category volume for the season is down nearly 5% but Ambrosia™ apples have been one of the bright stars of the category. “It’s really clear that American consumers love Ambrosia™,” said Lutz. “Honeycrisp is the only apple in the top 10 with an average retail selling price higher than Ambrosia™.”
Lutz says sales were so strong in April and May that CMI Ambrosia™ are now virtually sold out for the 2015 season. “CMI has import Ambrosia™ available from Chile but supplies are expected to remain tight.” He added, “We are really excited about the 2016 season. We are expecting our biggest crop yet and look forward to getting more consumers hooked on what we believe is America’s favorite everyday apple.”
For more information:
Katharine Grove
CMI Apples
Katharineg@cmiapples.com
www.cmiapples.com