Autumn Glory apples off to record-shattering start
In November, the Autumn Glory apple hit the retail shelves for a record-shattering season start. Shipment volumes were at all-time highs, ranking Autumn Glory as No. 2 in the Washington state “Other Variety” category, according to the November shipment report. The week after Thanksgiving sported a whopping 104 percent growth over the previous year.
November and December trends forecast strong 2023 sales. Sales were up 98 percent the week of Dec. 3, according to Nielsen data. Average retail rose $0.16 to $1.84, in line with Fuji and other core apples. Autumn Glory is a top 20 apple year-round, surpassing several other distinguished branded apple varieties.
Looking at Q4, Autumn Glory posted gains in every metric. Most importantly, volume increased over the number of stores selling, showing increased volume flow through each store. Volume increased 13.4 percent, while stores selling increased by 10.6 percent, according to Nielsen data from Sept. 4, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022.
Despite harvest delays, overall November volume posted significant gains each week over 2021 volume. Another Q4 win shows that Autumn Glory outpaced total apples and total produce in volume. Autumn Glory volume was up 13 percent, while total apple volume was down 3 percent, and total produce volume was down 0.5 percent.
Flavor is the top priority for Autumn Glory’s success. The Superfresh horticulture team personally tastes apples from each Autumn Glory orchard to determine harvest timing. Autumn Glory boasts natural caramel and cinnamon notes that make this apple stand out. Making sure that Autumn Glory’s signature flavors are prominent before harvesting is key.
