CMI’s Mike Wade Awarded 2016 Apple Man of the Year
CHICAGO, IL - This year’s Apple Man of the Year has been named, with Mike Wade, General Manager of Columbia Fruit Packers, a Co-Owner of CMI, coming out on top. The company says Wade was selected based on his honesty, integrity, and willingness to invest in longterm trends.
“Mike has been out in front of the industry in identifying and producing new, high-flavor apples,” said Bob Mast, President of CMI. “Mike saw the opportunity to provide great tasting apples to consumers. He worked with key members of his staff to literally search the world for new apple innovations like KIKU® and Kanzi®. His early adoption of organic production enabled our Daisy Girl™ brand to become a leading organic apple brand nationally. The entire CMI organization is delighted for Mike. ”
Wade is the leader of Columbia Fruit Packers, an apple, cherry and organic growing and packing company started over 60 years ago by his father,
Jim Wade. According to a press release, Columbia Fruit Packers is internationally recognized for its leadership in bringing KIKU® and Kanzi® brand apples to the United States, as well as being an early leader in organic apple production. Columbia Fruit Packers now manages its own apple and cherry orchards, while providing packing and storage services for approximately 100 local growers.
Over the years, Wade has shown a strong participation in the apple industry, serving as the Chairman of U.S. Apple Association, Chairman of the Northwest Horticultural Council, and as a board member on both the Washington State Fruit Commission and Northwest Fruit Exporters. Columbia Fruit Packers has also been responsible for contributing to Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarships that help developing industry leaders of the future.
“Kanzi® generated the fastest dollar growth rate of any apple in the top 25 in U.S. supermarket sales last year,” continued Mast, who says Wade has been an asset to this growth. “Mike’s leadership and vision has been a driver behind the success of CMI. Mike has many skills, but his vision in identifying great, new apples to bring to market is second to none.”
Announced on August 26, 2016, Mike was presented with the 2016 Apple Man of the Year award at the US Apple Association Annual Outlook conference in Chicago.
Congratulations to both Wade and to CMI, and here’s to another year of excellent apple growing!
