CMI Launches Import Kanzi Apple Season

Following record sales this spring, CMI has launched its summer import Kanzi apple season. Kanzi apples have been a sweet spot for retailers across the U.S., according to company officials. For the most recent 13-week period ending April 30, Kanzi had the highest growth rate in sales of any apple in the top 20, with the exception of Ambrosia. The result was CMI quickly sold out of its domestic crop, and retailers have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of sweet and tangy Kanzi apples from CMI’s Southern Hemisphere import partners, officials add.

The arrival of import Kanzi are perfectly timed according to Robb Myers, vice president of sales for CMI. “We sold out of our domestic Kanzi quicker than anticipated, so we were really eager for new crop Kanzi from our partners in Chile and New Zealand,” says Myers. “This past spring we had Kanzi in more than 2,500 U.S. supermarkets and demand simply overwhelmed our supply. Fortunately, new crop import Kanzi just arrived, fresh off the boat, and retailers can jump on the opportunity to snatch up this delicious imported apple while supplies last.”

Kanzi is among the most popular new apples in Europe. It emerged as a consumer favorite from an apple-breeding program in Belgium. Over the last decade Kanzi production has expanded across Europe, the Southern Hemisphere and more recently in North America. CMI’s co-owner, Columbia Fruit Packers, purchased the production rights to Kanzi for North America in 2008 and began planting the variety shortly thereafter in Washington State.

Myers says CMI has learned that Kanzi has a consistent, loyal consumer base. “Kanzi has such an intense flavor that shoppers remember it,” says Myers. “Once consumers discover Kanzi they become instant, loyal fans. Recently, during a store visit, a customer stopped us in the produce section and literally starting singing us a song she had written to honor the Kanzi apple.”

Myers reports that Southern Hemisphere Kanzi will be available through the summer months but supply will be limited. “Last year CMI had record sales of import Kanzi during June, July and August and is expecting a repeat performance on imports this season.”