Early-season 'KIKU' brand apples set the tone for high quality
Early-season 'KIKU' brand apples set the tone for high quality
Columbia Marketing International, the marketing arm of the North American "KIKU" brand apple alliance, announced that "KIKU" brand apples have been harvested and are ready to ship from its growing-shipping partner, Rice Fruit Co., located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s orchard country.
"KIKU" brand apples are harvested by select growers in strategic regions across the United States. CMI and its growers in Washington state (Columbia Fruit Packers) were given the opportunity to develop the North American market for KIKU and thus formed the "KIKU" brand alliance.
According to Bob Mast, president of CMI, the alliance is represented by a group of three of the leading grower-shippers in North America — CMI in Washington state, Rice Fruit Co. in Pennsylvania and Applewood Orchards Inc. in Michigan.
“We wanted to be able to offer consumers product out of the Northwest as well as regional and local programs, and that is why we felt very strongly about teaming up with two premier growers in the Midwest and eastern parts of the United States,” said Mast.
He added that the alliance also allows the program to extend the season of "KIKU" brand apples. KIKU apples are currently available from Rice Fruit Co., and they will be available from Applewood Orchards Inc. in Michigan in mid-November and then available out of the Northwest in mid-January. North American availability along with KIKU apples available out of the Southern Hemisphere in the spring and summer months may eventually lead to a year-round program with tonnage increases as new orchards begin to produce more fruit each season.
Steadily growing in popularity, KIKU apples have attained a devoted following among apple connoisseurs who adore their super sweet flavor and overall aromatic intensity. Vice President of Rice Fruit Co. John Rice describes the quality of this year’s eating experience as out of this world.
“With optimal weather conditions this season our fruit colored up nicely, grew large in size and became very sweet in flavor,” he said.
KIKU apples are very exotic with a super sweet taste, crunchy flesh, and high juice content, and visually they stand out from the crowd, with a distinctive striping and ruby-red coloration. Perfect for snacking, salads and cooking, KIKU apples are incredibly versatile.