January category data is in, and it is exciting to see the apple category perk up. The main takeaways include organic apple momentum gaining strength, core apple varieties staying strong, pear sales increasing, and Autumn Glory® apple skyrocketing in growth. The following information is based on IRI Freshlook™ data in regards to the last four weeks, ending January 27, 2019.
Core varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp have been the workhorses of the apple category. 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 continues 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.
Pears are experiencing strong growth conventionally, and phenomenal growth in the organic category. Conventionally, 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. In organics, Anjou dominates, accounting for 47.6% of the category in dollars. Superfresh Growers is the largest organic pear grower, and anticipates continuing their year-long Northwest pear supply.
“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,” says Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing.
The signature apple from Superfresh Growers, Autumn Glory apple, experienced exciting growth in the month of January. The apple was up 103% in volume and 83% in sales, higher than any other variety in the top-20. Autumn Glory also broke into the top-20 at #17. Superfresh Growers anticipates continued growth as the apple’s momentum sweeps the country.
“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,” explains Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager.
Superfresh Growers owns the Autumn Glory apple and holds the exclusive worldwide rights to grow and sell this unique 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. Superfresh Growers is a fifth-generation company dedicated to delivering flavorful, high quality apples, pears, cherries and apricots to families around the world. They pride themselves on being category management experts. For questions regarding category data, reach out to your Superfresh Growers representative today.
