CMI Orchards reveals new data showcasing the performance of Washington-grown EverCrisp® apples. Results from an April study conducted in partnership with Category Partners show consumer test groups had positive reviews for EverCrisp® in blind taste testing with one of its legacy varieties, Fuji.
"Results showed that 90 percent of participants favored EverCrisp to its legacy variety, with 18 out of 20 consumers preferring its flavor and texture," said Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing at CMI Orchards, who adds that the company has custom tools retailers can use to lure consumers to trial new flavors, including a "Like Fuji? You'll LOVE EverCrisp" signage campaign.
Bohm says the company has custom tools retailers can use to lure consumers to trial new flavors, including a "Like Fuji? You'll LOVE EverCrisp" signage campaign.
With parentage from two consumer favorites—the super crunchy Honeycrisp and the super sweet Fuji—Bohm says the data highlights a significant opportunity for retailers to capture incremental dollars and earn repeat rings with EverCrisp. "The highly-rated sweetness and juiciness of EverCrisp make it a standout choice. The study results showed that it scored 31 percent ahead in flavor and rated 19 percent better in texture, confirming its status as an upsell item," says Bohm.
"EverCrisp is even sweeter and juicier than most other sweet core varieties, and its long shelf life prolongs freshness, reducing waste and maximizing sales—offering both flavor and practical benefits for retailers," said Loren Foss, vice president of business strategy.
Foss says CMI has additional promotional tactics available to retailers, like sales contests.
Foss said the study revealed most consumers are eager to try new apples, but often need incentives such as pricing promotions or engaging displays. "The demand for high-flavor apples remains strong," he says. "EverCrisp apples received a 71 percent approval rating for flavor and an 87 percent approval rating for texture, highlighting the opportunity to trade shoppers up from core to premium branded apples to capture those higher rings at the register." Foss added that additional promotional tactics, like sales contests–with rewards ranging from cash prizes to trips to Washington State–reward top sales performance and can be customized for each participating store.
Washington-grown EverCrisp apples benefit from optimal growing conditions. The Columbia River nourishes orchard soil with rich glacial minerals, while less than a foot of rain per year naturally reduces orchard sprays due to the low moisture levels which helps keep pests and fungus levels low.
"We're excited to partner with retailers to showcase the quality of this apple," says Bohm. "With its flavor, long shelf life, and the Washington advantage, it is a perfect apple to boost sales and satisfy customers."
For more information:
Ashlyn Lewis
CMI Orchards, LLC
Tel: +1 (509) 888-3434 (office) ext. 112
[email protected]
www.cmiorchards.com