Oppy reports strong growth in sales of Envy™ apple
Sales of the Envy™ apple nearly doubled in volume between 2014 and 2015, reports Canada’s Oppenheimer Group (Oppy).
And Envy’s dollar contribution rose by over 120%, growing faster than all other premium apples in both measures, according to FreshLook data.
Vancouver-based Oppy, a leading fresh produce sales, marketing and distribution company, said Envy demonstrated the strongest growth in pounds and also the strongest growth in retail sales of 11 premium apples in 2015 compared to 2014.
The apple currently ranks fifth in volume, behind the well-established Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, JAZZ™, and Ambrosia, which is remarkable given it has been commercially available for just four years, said Oppy’s executive category director for apples and pears David Nelley.
“We’re proud of that achievement, but not surprised, given that one super premium retailer in California told us Envy has been the biggest item in terms of gross sales in the entire store for certain periods,” Nelley said.
The Washington crop sold out in March but from June through September, Oppy sources the bright red apple – which it says has a crisp crunch and intense sweetness all season long – from New Zealand and Chile.
It said last week that the New Zealand Envy crop was already on its way, “much to the delight of retailers across North America, who are eager for the strong dollar and volume contributions of this premium apple to resume.”
“Cool nights and dry harvest days have colored up this season’s New Zealand Envy crop beautifully. Our retail partners are in for a real treat, not only because the fruit looks and tastes so good, but its category contribution is proven and continues to come on strong,” Nelley said.
