Nielsen FreshFacts data for the most recent 52-week period reveals that CMI has become the #1 selling apple brand in U.S. supermarkets based on a 41% dollar increase. The FreshFacts brand attribute report compiles all fresh apple brands, varieties and packages sold in nearly 19,000 supermarkets across the United States. It totals the sales dollars generated in the category by company excluding private label and unbranded apples. Previously, CMI was ranked second.
According to Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, the report reflects the strong transaction size that CMI products and brands can provide for supermarkets. “On average, apples carrying a CMI brand drive an 8.5% higher price than the category average and 44% higher than unbranded apple packages,” said Lutz.
Lutz says that CMI's brand strength has been significantly driven by pouch bag programs.
“Based on this latest report,” said Lutz, “CMI has the best selling two-pound apple pouch bag in the U.S., the top selling four-pound pouch bag, the best selling two-pound pear pouch and the overall number one selling organic apple brand.”
Lutz identifies high-value apple brands and organics as being an important driver of CMI’s success. “Consumers across the country love Ambrosia™ apples and have discovered KIKU® brand apples and Kanzi® as well,” said Lutz.
Lutz sees significant opportunities for apple category growth in the years to come. “The vast majority of apple category dollars are driven by unbranded and private label products,” he said. “Unbranded apple sales declined by nearly 10% over the past 52 weeks while CMI brands jumped by over 40%."
For more information:
Katharine Grove, Marketing Specialist
CMI
Tel: +1-509-888-3427, or +1-509-885-0444
Fax: +1-509-888-3418
