CMI Orchards has announced significant growth in KIKU brand apple sales and production. The popular apple is now outpacing the entire branded apple category.

According to Nielsen Answers on Demand, over the past 52 weeks KIKU is ranked seventh in both sales dollars and volume for branded apples in the US. KIKU sales have increased 37 percent in volume compared to last year and are now sold in 3,800 stores throughout the United States. The entire branded apple category is up 21 percent.  

Nickey Gregory Co., a full-service produce wholesaler with 20 years of service to the Southeast, had just opened up a brand new distribution facility early this year when the coronavirus led to foodservice shutdowns and greatly altered business practices. By all accounts, 2020 has been a very difficult year, but Director of Business Development Andrew Scott said the company has worked through the turmoil and has registered growth in some areas.

Leaders from three of the largest and most respected organic fresh produce companies agree that the outlook for the organic industry is positive heading into the new year, as they explored a wide range of issues during the Organic Grower Summit Roundtable discussion that premiered Dec. 9.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association is encouraging retailers to promote Peruvian asparagus throughout December 2020 and into the New Year's holiday.  December’s steady harvesting, packing and shipping results in the freshest product at U.S. retailer shelves. Fortunately labor issues in Peru are currently being resolved and PAIA membership believe the asparagus supply chain and U.S. consumption will not see any notable challenges.

As this most unusual year draws to a close, members of the produce industry are taking stock in the importance of celebrating the holidays and time spent with loved ones. In this Holiday Sightings series, we highlight this very special time of year and wish all a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Help us spread the holiday cheer by submitting your own photo to [email protected].

The total U.S. online grocery market posted $8.1 billion in sales during November as 60.1 million U.S. households placed on average 2.8 orders during the month, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey fielded Nov. 11-14. The delivery and pickup segments captured 73 percent of the online sales during the month and active delivery and pickup shoppers reported a record-high repeat intent rate of 83 percent.