CMI Orchards' Rochelle Bohm and Danelle Huber Discuss Kanzi® Variety Growth
WENATCHEE, WA - Apple growth is on the rise, especially for one branded variety from CMI Orchards. The supplier’s latest CatStats report outlines the success of Kanzi® apples, which are maintaining their position as one of the best-selling apples in Europe and quickly winning over consumers in the United States.
“Kanzi commands one of the highest retail prices of all branded apples, and outpaces inflation with a 10.2 percent gain over last year,” Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, said. “It’s one of only five branded apples with retails over $2.50. This is an obvious indicator of its mounting popularity: shoppers are willing to pay more for Kanzi.”
Bohm also noted in a press release that Kanzi consistently ranks as one of foodies’ top choices in blind taste tests. Ranked #1 in the Barstool Sports taste test, Kanzi beat 15 other popular apples in a blind line-up, the release stated.
Danelle Huber, Senior Marketing Manager, added that this apple’s flavor dazzles American consumers across the board with consistently high ratings and positive feedback. This is according to data gathered from 500 people through an influencer mail out program.
“On a scale from one to five, with five being the highest possible rating, Kanzi holds strong at a solid 4.6 rating with no negative ratings,” Huber explained. “This lines up exactly with what we’re seeing in the sales data for this apple. While pounds are falling for most varieties, a major country-wide retailer saw a 6 percent volume growth in Kanzi over the last 52 weeks.”
Worldwide, Kanzi ranks in the top two, trailing only behind Pink Lady, CMI stated in its press release.
“Food enthusiasts regularly vote Kanzi as the best-tasting apple in blind apple pie taste tests. Its spectacular flavor is only one part of it,” said Bohm. “Kanzi’s texture means that it holds up when baked and doesn’t turn mushy like other apples. This really gives customers an elevated eating experience whether they’re snacking or using Kanzi as their new baking staple. Retailers need to capitalize on this premium apple to take their sales to the next level. Kanzi’s proven performance in markets is a testament to its growing popularity and remarkable sales success.”
Stay tuned to see how the apple sector continues to grow.