Strong sales growth for Ambrosia Gold® apples

Ambrosia Gold apples experienced significant retail sales growth in 2022, says CMI Orchards.

In its latest CatStats report released Jan. 31, the Wenatchee, Wash.-based company said that Ambrosia sales increased 296.8% from the previous year, which was the highest percent change of any apple in the top 10, based on Nielsen 13-week scan data ending Dec. 31, 2022, according to CMI Senior Marketing Manager Danelle Huber.

“Consumers show us time over time that cost is not an issue for them when it comes to Ambrosia Gold, even when faced with extenuating economic factors, like inflation,” Huber said in a news release. “Retailers that keep this apple on their shelves hold, and even increase, category sales without needing to compromise on pricing.”

The apple’s broad appeal, exceptional shelf life and consistent eating experience across the board has made Ambrosia Gold a mainstay on U.S. retail shelves, Huber said in the release.

Ambrosia continues to hold a top 3 spot nationally among branded apples, the company said. With high promotable volume in both conventional and organic options available year-round, CMI offers to share strategies on how retailers can capitalize on the apple’s success, according to the release.

“Ambrosia Gold ranks 9th for all conventional and branded apples in the USA, in both sales and volume,” Rochelle Bohm, CMI’s vice president of marketing, said in the release. “CMI’s promotable volume and year-round availability of this in-demand apple make it a necessity for retail shelves.”

CMI supplies 49.47% of the 13,141 stores selling Ambrosia apples and reporting to Nielsen selling Ambrosia, according to the release. Bohm said that demonstrates CMI’s methodology of being a one-stop shop for its retail customers and a go-to source for Ambrosia apples.

“Best-in-class retailers recognize Ambrosia as a must-have and make room on the shelf for this top-performing apple by reducing repetitive core variety SKU’s and placing Ambrosia Gold,” Bohm said in the release. “As more branded apples enter the market, shelf space will continue to get tougher and tougher to secure, but Ambrosia Gold’s gorgeous bi-coloring serves as both an eye-catcher and a color break in displays. Retailers can reap the rewards of strong sales with the high-velocity sales performance of Ambrosia.”

CMI Press Release from The Packer