CMI recently hosted seven national food writers for an in-depth press tour of Wenatchee Washington, the “Apple Capital of the World”. The purpose of the three-day tour, held from September 24-27, was to educate top-tier writers on how Ambrosia™ apples, the latest apple variety to join the top ten list of highest selling apples in the United States, are grown and distributed.
The participating food writers and editors were from digital and print publications including Saveur, Every Day with Rachael Ray, FoodNetwork.com, The Nibble, The Daily Meal, Gluten Free Girl and the Chef, and Meal Makeover Moms. In total, the outlets influence more than 35 million consumers through their print and online presence.
Food writers were able to hand-pick Ambrosia™ apples fresh from the trees and enjoyed two days of orchard themed menus featuring locally harvested fruits and vegetables. From Ambrosia™ apple-glazed wild Alaska salmon, to curried apple and squash soup, lavender honey bruschetta with Ambrosia™ apple chutney, buckboard apple bacon fire-grilled pizzas and Whistle Punk Ambrosia™ sorbet, Ambrosia™ apples provided culinary inspiration for all attendees.
During the 2014-15 apple season, Nielsen data revealed that in total sales dollars, Ambrosia™ passed Braeburn to become the 10th best selling apple variety nationally. Ambrosia™ also had the highest growth rate among all top 10 varieties.
Ambrosia™ is poised for additional growth during the 2015/16 season. Nielsen data shows that during the last apple season, Ambrosia™ distribution increased by 30% up to 48% nationally. Retail sales will continue to build as retailers expand Ambrosia™ distribution in the coming year.
