YAKIMA, WA - Superfresh Growers’ signature apple, the Autumn Glory®, enjoyed a boost in sales in the month of January. As stated in a press release, the apple was up 103% in volume and 83% in sales, which was higher than any other variety in the top 20. Autumn Glory also broke into the top 20 at #17. Superfresh Growers expects continued growth as the apple’s momentum stretches out over the nation.
“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,” said Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing.
The root varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp have been the workhorses of the apple category, according to a press release. The two varieties represented nearly half of all apple dollar sales in January. The top five apple varieties were rounded out by fan favorites (in order) Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Gala apples are flying off the shelves, 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 persists in both apples and pears. Organic apples accelerated to 10% 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% 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, as reported in the press release.
Pears are seeing powerful growth conventionally, and phenomenal growth in the organic category. Formally, 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. According to the press release, in organics, Anjou dominates, accounting for 47.6% of the category in dollars. Superfresh Growers is one of the largest organic pear growers, and anticipates continuing its year-long Northwest pear supply based on IRI Freshlook™ data.
“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,” explained Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager.
Superfresh Growers owns the Autumn Glory apple and holds the exclusive worldwide rights to grow and sell this uncommon apple variety. Autumn Glory apples have a very sweet, firm flesh with hints of cinnamon and subtle notes of caramel. The apple will be available this season from November through April, but as volumes increase, the apple will be available year-round.
