Yakima, WA, January 13, 2023: In November, Autumn Glory® apple hit the retail shelves for a record-shattering season start. According to the November shipment report, shipment volumes were at all-time highs, ranking Autumn Glory as number two in the Washington State “Other Variety” category. They sported a whopping 104% growth the week after Thanksgiving over the previous year.
November and December trends forecast strong New Year sales. Sales were up 104% the week of 11/26/2022 and up 98% the week of 12/3/2022, according to Nielsen data. Average retail rose $0.16 to $1.84, in line with Fuji and other core apples. Autumn Glory is among the top 20 apples year-round, surpassing several distinguished branded apple varieties.
Looking at Q4, Autumn Glory posted gains in every metric. Most importantly, volume increased over the number of stores selling, showing increased volume flow through each store. Volume increased by 13.4%, while store selling increased by 10.6%, according to Nielsen data from September 4, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Despite harvest delays, November volume posted significant gains each week over 2021 volume. Another Q4 win shows that Autumn Glory outpaced total apples and total produce in volume. Autumn Glory volume was up 13%, total apple volume was down 3%, and total produce volume was down 0.5%.
Flavor is the top priority for Autumn Glory’s success. The Superfresh horticulture team personally tastes apples from each Autumn Glory orchard to determine harvest timing. Autumn Glory boasts natural caramel and cinnamon notes, making this apple stand out. Making sure that Autumn Glory’s signature flavors are prominent before harvesting is key.
Dave Gleason taste tasting Autumn Glory apples before harvest
Superfresh Growers has been focusing on building Autumn Glory buying habits through in-store sampling. “We are seeing great success in creating repeat shoppers. Ninety-six percent of shoppers have expressed intent to purchase Autumn Glory after tasting it,” shares Cat Gipe-Stewart, Director of Marketing. “We are also seeing more consumer excitement than ever online and in our inbox! One passionate shopper wrote, ‘I stocked up almost to the point of hoarding… I think I will die without Autumn Glory apples in my life.’ Another wrote, “My word, Autumn Glory, is amazing. My absolute favorite apple so far!”
Autumn Glory has been the highlight of many recipes, including game day nachos from Lunches and Littles.
As the sole growers and marketers of Autumn Glory apple, Superfresh Growers looks forward to continuing its success in 2023.
