CMI Orchards, LLC, based in Wenatchee, Washington, is one of the largest grower, packer, and shipper alliances in the United States fresh produce industry. Established over three decades ago, CMI has evolved into a premier fruit marketing company with a strong portfolio of proprietary branded apple, pear, and cherry varieties. Its strategic position in the Pacific Northwest, combined with innovation in packing and marketing, enables the company to serve both domestic and international markets with consistent quality and supply.
Core Business
CMI Orchards operates as a vertically integrated grower and marketer of premium quality apples, pears, and cherries. The company represents an alliance of leading Washington-based orchardists and works closely with packing and distribution facilities to ensure streamlined operations from tree to table. CMI’s focus includes not just conventional fruit but also a strong emphasis on organic production and sustainability.
Product and Service Offerings
Fresh Produce Lines
- Apples: Wide assortment including branded varieties like Ambrosia Gold®, Kanzi®, KIKU®, EverCrisp®, SugarBee®, and Envy®.
- Pears: Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, and proprietary flavored pears under its Flavogram® line.
- Cherries: Conventional and organic dark sweet cherries and Rainier varieties during peak summer season.
Branded Fruit Programs
- Daisy Girl Organics®: Flagship organic label offering USDA-certified apples, pears, and cherries.
- American Dream®: Patriotic label supporting U.S. military families and charities.
- Flavors of the World®: Curated international varietal program showcasing unique global apple flavors.
- Crunchie Munchies®, Flavogram®, I’m Perfect®, Relax®, Nature’s Candy®, Happy Bee Orchards®, HERO®: Each brand tailored to specific market segments including kids, wellness-focused buyers, and value-conscious consumers.
Retail and Consumer Marketing Services
- Customized in-store displays and point-of-sale promotions
- Digital marketing assets for retail partners
- Consumer education and QR code-integrated traceability
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition
CMI Orchards stands apart in the U.S. produce market due to its:
- Exclusive Brand Portfolio: Over 10 trademarked brands designed for differentiated shelf space and customer engagement.
- Organic Leadership: Daisy Girl Organics is among the top-selling organic apple brands in the U.S. market.
- Innovation in Varietals: Exclusive marketing rights to high-brix, extended-shelf-life apples like KIKU® and EverCrisp®.
- High-Impact Sustainability: Integrated pest management, water conservation, and zero-waste practices across partner orchards and packing houses.
Financial and Market Insights
While CMI Orchards is a privately held company and does not publish financials, industry reports and export data indicate:
- Annual Fruit Volume: Over 17 million cartons marketed annually.
- Market Reach: Products sold in over 25 countries, including Canada, Mexico, India, Vietnam, UAE, and several European nations.
- Domestic Market Share: Among the top five apple marketers in the United States.
- Organic Sales: Daisy Girl Organics ranks in the top three U.S. organic apple brands by sales volume (Nielsen Retail Data, 2022–2023).
Export and Logistics Capabilities
- Export Volume: Significant contributor to U.S. apple exports, especially during November–May peak export windows.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure: State-of-the-art storage and controlled-atmosphere shipping capabilities to extend fruit freshness.
- Certifications: GlobalG.A.P., PrimusGFS, USDA Organic, and SCS Sustainably Grown among other audit-ready standards.
- Port Access: Leveraging West Coast ports including Seattle and Tacoma for global distribution.
Target Market
- Retail Chains (Domestic and International)
- Wholesale and Foodservice Distributors
- Organic and Health-Conscious Consumers
- Institutional Buyers (Schools, Wellness Chains)
- Export Partners in Asia, Middle East, and Europe
Capabilities
- Sales and Marketing Team: Dedicated teams for national retail, export, and specialty program coordination.
- AgTech Integration: Use of satellite imaging and AI-based harvest forecasting for yield optimization.
- Sustainability Monitoring: Implementation of eco-friendly orchard management and recyclable packaging materials.
- Grower Network: Extensive alliance of over 200 growers in Washington State.
Certifications and Compliance
- USDA Organic Certification (via CCOF)
- GlobalG.A.P.
- PrimusGFS Food Safety Certification
- SCS Global Sustainability Certification
- SQF-Level Packing Facilities
Customer Testimonials
“CMI’s apple program stands out on our retail shelves. Their brands drive repeat purchases with consistent quality.”
— Produce Buyer, U.S. Grocery Chain
“We rely on their organic supply during high-demand months—Daisy Girl Organics has become a category leader in our stores.”
— Category Manager, National Organic Retailer
“Their export quality and documentation are among the best in the U.S. apple trade.”
— Importer, Middle East Distributor
Major Achievements
- Launched over 10 proprietary fruit brands in under a decade
- Exported to more than 25 international markets
- Achieved top-three organic apple brand ranking in U.S. market
- Developed unique social impact labels like American Dream® and HERO®
- Integrated full product traceability across most SKUs with QR-enabled smart labels
CMI Orchards, LLC continues to redefine modern fruit marketing through bold branding, quality leadership, and global market engagement. From sustainable growing practices to innovative retail solutions, the company remains a pioneer in delivering premium fruit to the world.