Rainier and CMI team up for exclusivity on Grapple apples
Rainier and CMI team up for exclusivity on Grapple apples
Rainier Fruit Co. in Selah, WA, and Wenatchee-based Columbia Marketing International, both major players in the Northwest fruit industry, recently teamed up for distribution of Grapple apples.
Exclusive rights to process, package, market and sell the apple product were granted to Rainier and CMI in August by Grapple Fruits LLC, which owns the patent on Grapple apples.
According to Suzanne Wolter, marketing director for Rainier, product will start shipping in early October, and retail distribution will be across the United States.
"Right now we're focusing on the United States," Ms. Wolter said, adding that all market segments are being examined.
We feel theres tremendous opportunity for Grapple, she said, adding, Were looking at all potential customers.
The patented Grapple starts with a premium sweet Washington apple, which is treated with pure water and grape flavoring, resulting in a double-sweet treat. Were looking at Galas right now, Ms. Wolter said, adding that any high-sugar apple will work. As the season progresses, Fujis will also be used, she said.
Both Rainier and CMI have long adhered to philosophies of premium-quality fruit and strong customer partnerships, and Ms. Wolter said, We look forward to marketing the Grapple apple to the industry in conjunction with CMI. Our objective is to make this apple as accessible as possible for all interested accounts, thereby building upon previous seasons successes.
Bob Mast, director of marketing for CMI, added, The Grapple apple has received great initial interest across the country, and, along with Rainier, our goal is to enhance this program and take it to the next level. The primary audience for Grapple has been children, and we hope to improve the marketing of the Grapple apple to this segment.
Exclusive rights to process, package, market and sell the apple product were granted to Rainier and CMI in August by Grapple Fruits LLC, which owns the patent on Grapple apples.
According to Suzanne Wolter, marketing director for Rainier, product will start shipping in early October, and retail distribution will be across the United States.
"Right now we're focusing on the United States," Ms. Wolter said, adding that all market segments are being examined.
We feel theres tremendous opportunity for Grapple, she said, adding, Were looking at all potential customers.
The patented Grapple starts with a premium sweet Washington apple, which is treated with pure water and grape flavoring, resulting in a double-sweet treat. Were looking at Galas right now, Ms. Wolter said, adding that any high-sugar apple will work. As the season progresses, Fujis will also be used, she said.
Both Rainier and CMI have long adhered to philosophies of premium-quality fruit and strong customer partnerships, and Ms. Wolter said, We look forward to marketing the Grapple apple to the industry in conjunction with CMI. Our objective is to make this apple as accessible as possible for all interested accounts, thereby building upon previous seasons successes.
Bob Mast, director of marketing for CMI, added, The Grapple apple has received great initial interest across the country, and, along with Rainier, our goal is to enhance this program and take it to the next level. The primary audience for Grapple has been children, and we hope to improve the marketing of the Grapple apple to this segment.
