CMI Orchards excited about The Soil Center initiative

Washington apples are a cornerstone of CMI Orchards, representing one of its three main product lines.

“This category is critical not just for its contribution to our bottom line, but also for how it defines our brand in the market,” said Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing for the Wenatchee WA-based company. “We’re constantly scouting for the next breakthrough, ensuring that our growers are at the forefront of innovation. By staying connected to the latest trends and developments, we guarantee that our offerings are always fresh, exciting and aligned with consumer demand.”

CMI represents about 15 percent of the total crop, making the company one of the largest players in the U.S. apple market.

Early assessments suggest that this year’s crop will support bagged apple sales, with some varieties showing smaller fruit sizes.

“Favorable weather conditions during the growing season have been a key factor, and the continued sunshine leading up to harvest is enhancing both color and flavor,” Bohm said. “Compared to last year, this season is shaping up to deliver a crop that is vibrant, appealing, and perfectly suited to meet market demands. The entire industry is relieved about seeing a more manageable crop size ahead and looking forward to a highly successful season with exceptional quality fruit.”

This summer, The Soil Center initiative is the biggest highlight for the company.

“We’ve taken byproducts from Royal Family Farming and CMI Orchards to create custom soil ingredients that significantly improve soil health,” Bohm said. “Our focus is on enhancing soil carbon, a vital component for sustainable crop production and ecosystem resilience. By shifting the narrative around carbon from an atmospheric problem to a crucial element of soil vitality, we’re pioneering an innovative approach to regenerative farming.”

Currently, CMI is using these advancements to support growers, but the long-term goal is to extend these benefits to the wider agricultural community, positioning the company as leaders in both innovative fruit production and sustainable agriculture.

“And ultimately, we’re actively building a carbon negative apple industry…not just for CMI, but for the wider ag community,” Bohm said.

Success in the apple category demands a blend of adaptability, versatility and relentless drive, Bohm said, as the market is always changing, and so are consumer preferences.

“To stay ahead, we maintain a deep understanding of industry trends and are prepared to pivot quickly when needed,” she said. “Our diverse portfolio of apple varieties allows us to provide consistent quality, even when crop volumes fluctuate. This adaptability ensures that our retail partners can always count on us to deliver exceptional apples, regardless of external challenges.”

CMI’s customers include both retail partners and the end consumers who purchase apples.

“Retailers rely on us to provide fruit that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of quality and taste; consumers trust us to deliver apples that are consistently delicious and fresh,” Bohm said.

“The secret to our strong partnerships lies in our commitment to mutual success—through trust, transparency and open communication. By aligning the goals of our growers, retailers, and consumers, we create a seamless supply chain that ensures the highest quality fruit reaches store shelves.”

By staying agile and responsive, CMI continues to lead in a competitive and ever-evolving market. “We’re always curious, always testing new approaches, and on a relentless pursuit of growth and improvement to hold our position as premier supply partners,” Bohm said. “Our greatest opportunity for growth this year centers on driving trial and consumption of new, exciting apple varieties. We’ve seen a surge of interest from retailers in reviving in-store sampling and demos—an effective way to get apples directly into consumers’ hands, boosting both sales and brand loyalty.”