January category data is in, and it is showing the apple category perking up. The main takeaways include organic apple momentum gaining strength, core apple varieties staying strong, pear sales increasing, and Autumn Glory® apple increasing in growth. The following information is based on IRI Freshlook™ data in regards to the last four weeks, ending January 27, 2019.
Core varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp have been the workhorses of the apple category. The two varieties represented nearly half of all apple dollar sales in January. The top five apple varieties were rounded out by Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Gala apples are selling rapidly, with double-digit dollar growth. Gala topped Honeycrisp in volume, with 56.8 million pounds, followed by Honeycrisp at 35.9 million pounds.
Organic momentum continues in both apples and pears. Organic apples accelerated to 10 percent growth in January. Double digit growth should continue to be the norm as this category continues its momentum. In organics, Gala dominates as number one, at $14.4 million, and accounting for 33.6 percent of organic apple dollars. Honeycrisp follows at $9.5 million. The top five organics are rounded out by Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady, pushing Red Delicious to number six.
Pears are experiencing strong growth conventionally, and phenomenal growth in the organic category, according to the report. Conventionally, Bartlett is on top with double digit growth in both volume and dollars. Anjou, Bosc, Red Pears (all varieties combined), and Asian pears round out the top five. In organics, Anjou dominates, accounting for 47.6 percent of the category in dollars. Superfresh Growers said it anticipates continuing their year-long Northwest pear supply.
“The 2018-2019 apple and pear season started out slowly, but we are happy to see this turn around in January. We hope retailers continue to promote pears and apples into the summer months,” says Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing.
The signature apple from Superfresh Growers, Autumn Glory apple, experienced strong growth in the month of January. The apple was up 103 percent in volume and 83 percent in sales, higher than any other variety in the top-20, the company shared. Autumn Glory also broke into the top-20 at #17. Superfresh Growers anticipates continued growth across the country.
“We have been receiving amazing feedback this year from chefs, consumers, and retailers. Rachael Ray Every Day told us how delicious they are. It is such an honor to represent an apple that makes people happy and feel inspired to create something delicious in the kitchen,” explains Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager.
For more information:
Catherine Gipe-Stewart
Superfresh Growers
Ph: +1 (509) 966-1814
cgipe@superfreshgrowers.com
www.superfreshgrowers.com