CMI Orchards touts premium Ambrosia Gold apples

New crop Ambrosia Gold apples from CMI Orchards are marked by high flavor, vibrant color and a superb eating experience, the company reports.

Ambrosia apples have consistently secured a top-three position in total branded apple sales for over a decade, Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing at CMI, said in a news release.

“The very best Ambrosia — the cream of the crop — are meticulously selected and packed under our exclusive Ambrosia Gold label,” Bohm said.

CMI’s Ambrosia Gold roots come from the legacy of the McDougall family, who pioneered the introduction of Ambrosia apples in the U.S. The apples quickly gained popularity thanks to their sweet honey flavor, delicate flesh and resistance to browning, the release said.

Ambrosia now ranks as the ninth-bestselling apple in the U.S., the release said, encompassing all conventional and specially licensed apple varieties and brands. The opening of the patent in 2017 allowed other growers to join the Ambrosia apple family, contributing to its growth, according to the release.

Addressing the question of the difference between Ambrosia and Ambrosia Gold, Bohm said that the Ambrosia Gold label — available exclusively from CMI — was introduced to distinguish CMI’s own as a premier offering from regular Ambrosia in the market.

According to Nielsen Data covering the latest 52 weeks ending on Nov. 4, CMI commands a 50% share of the total Ambrosia market volume, the release said.

CMI’s Daisy Girl Ambrosia Gold leads the organic Ambrosia category, making up an impressive 11% of the total organic Ambrosia sales, excluding private label, the release said.

“The McDougalls firmly established Ambrosia Gold as a retail staple across America,” Bohm said. “Top retailers recognize the ‘McDougall difference’ and embrace the opportunity to feature Ambrosia Gold year-round — available in both conventional and organic options.

“Sales figures speak for themselves: Ambrosia Gold consistently delivers robust sales, solidifying its position as a favorite among both consumers and retailers alike,” Bohm added.

Press release posted on The Packer