US: Kiku season started ahead of schedule due to sales soar
According to Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, retail sales data reveals that KIKU® brand apples are one of the “hot brands” in the apple category. “If you look at the most recent 13 weeks of apple category data, KIKU® rocked the category for retailers,” said Lutz. “Among the top 15 apples, only six increased year over year sales. Among those, KIKU® apples had the second highest dollar growth rate at 64%.
Tim Welsh, Chief Horticulturist for Columbia Fruit Packers, reports that the KIKU® season will be launching early in response to strong retail demand for increased production. Columbia Fruit Packers, the primary U.S. license holder for KIKU®, aligned with growing partners Applewood Orchards in Michigan and Rice Fruit Company in Pennsylvania to help ramp up production quickly for retailers.
“All three licensed producers of KIKU® brand apples increased plantings based on strong feedback from retailers and consumers,” said Welsh. “It’s been tough to keep KIKU® on the shelves. Now with the 2015 harvest, total KIKU® production will have doubled from just two years ago.
John Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company in Pennsylvania says he is not surprised by the rapid success of KIKU®. “Our family has been growing apples here in Pennsylvania for seven generations,” said Rice. “We grow all kinds of apples and we’ve never seen anything like KIKU®. It’s simply the sweetest, best tasting apple we have ever grown.”
Scott Swindeman, Vice President of Applewood Orchards, Inc. in Michigan, reports that as KIKU® trees mature, quality has continued to improve. “Growers in Washington, Michigan and Pennsylvania are all reporting that this is probably the finest crop of KIKU® we’ve ever harvested. Color, condition and eating quality are excellent, so we’re excited about the early start to the season in time for the holidays.”
According to Lutz, apples like KIKU® are vital for retailers in continuing to respond to changing consumer purchase behavior while building a stronger apple category. “Nearly all of the major apple varieties had dollar declines at retail last year despite the large harvest” said Lutz.
“In a way, KIKU® is similar to Honeycrisp. The unique flavor profile allows for stronger pricing while trading consumers up to a more expensive purchase. This in turn drives sales dollars for retailers while bringing consumers back to the store sooner because of the outstanding eating experience.”
For more information: www.cmiapples.com