COSMIC CRISP® apple sales set new records in the United States

Cosmic Crisp® apples continue gaining popularity, setting new sales records and bringing a fresh breeze to the apple market. According to recent data from Nielsen, shared by Proprietary Variety Management (PVM), Cosmic Crisp® saw an 89% increase in sales volume compared to the previous year, securing its position as #7 best-selling apple variety in the U.S. Cosmic Crisp® is one of just two apple varieties within the top 10 to achieve such impressive growth.

This news is based on a review by PVM covering sales data from September 2022 to August 2023. While the overall apple category experienced a 5.2% decline in volume, Cosmic Crisp® held steady, maintaining a 0.3% growth in total sales.

Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer at PVM, confirmed the loyalty of Cosmic Crisp® fans. Grandy remarked that consumers have embraced Cosmic Crisp® apples and are returning for more.

For retailers, the challenge lies in navigating a diverse apple category filled with enticing options. Grandy explains that their category offers a variety of delicious apple choices. Retailers often need help with the challenge that newer varieties lack the scale and consumer recognition needed to drive repeat purchases. Fortunately, Cosmic Crisp® production has reached a point where it's consistently available throughout the year, allowing for regular displays and promotions, benefiting everyone involved.

According to Nielsen data, Cosmic Crisp® led the way in category dollar growth among the top 10 best-selling apple varieties in the United States, boasting an impressive 94.9% increase. Other varieties like Envy (+15.9%), Granny Smith (+7.2%), and McIntosh (+1.8%) also contributed to the growth in category sales.

A recent national brand awareness study by Nielsen's Category Partners found that 24% of consumers have heard of Cosmic Crisp® apples. More than one-third of respondents were familiar with the brand in the Western region. Among those who have tried Cosmic Crisp®, a whopping 90% preferred its flavor to other apples, and 4 out of 5 rated its appearance, texture, and juiciness as superior.

Regarding regional performance, the Northeast emerges as one of the most promising markets for Cosmic Crisp®. Despite currently holding the #11 spot in the Northeastern market, Cosmic Crisp® experienced an impressive 98% surge in sales volume, outshining other regions. This growth is primarily due to expanded retail distribution in the Northeast, delivering positive results for our retail partners and their customers.

Grandy also highlighted that more orchards achieve organic certification. The organically grown Cosmic Crisp® brand apples have been selling exceptionally well. Cosmic Crisp® now proudly ranks as the #6 best-selling organic apple in the United States, with a 388% increase in retail volume. Among the top 6 organic varieties, Cosmic Crisp® stands alone in generating increased sales volume, a significant advantage for their retail partners looking to offer the hottest-selling organic apple.