CMI Orchards, nestled in the prime fruit-growing regions of Washington State, has established itself as a leader in the production and marketing of premium apples, pears, and cherries.

With a rich history, the company’s commitment to quality and innovation has positioned it as a key player in the produce industry.

At the helm of its marketing efforts is Rochelle Bohm, the Vice President of Marketing, who recently shared insights about the company’s operations, unique offerings, and sustainable practices with Produce Leaders.

“We are a leading fruit grower and sales/marketing agency based in Washington State, focusing on apples, pears, and cherries,” she begins.

CMI Orchards is renowned for its diverse portfolio, including exclusive and sought-after apple varieties such as Ambrosia Gold®, KIKU®, Kanzi®, EverCrisp®, Jazz™, Envy™, Smitten®, SugarBee®, Sunrise Magic®, Cosmic Crisp®, Juici®, and Karma® apples.

“Our portfolio includes exclusive and sought-after apple varieties,” Rochelle emphasizes, highlighting the broad range that sets CMI apart in a competitive market.

The company’s orchards are strategically located in the valleys of the Columbia, Yakima, and Wenatchee rivers. These areas are known for their semi-arid climate, which provides an ideal environment for growing high-quality fruit.

The combination of warm summer days with low humidity, crisp, cool nights, and abundant water for irrigation produces fruits with spectacular flavor, color, and appearance.

This meticulous selection of growing regions is part of CMI’s dedication to excellence.

“At CMI Orchards, we are dedicated to delivering fruits of exceptional quality and flavor, cultivated through sustainable practices that contribute to soil health and ecosystem balance,” Rochelle states, underscoring the company’s holistic approach to farming.

CMI Orchards is not just about producing great fruit; it is about creating a unique shopping experience and supporting its retail partners.

“Our unique merchandising approach includes building strong retailer programs under umbrella campaigns such as ‘American Dream®,’ which supports military families and veterans; ‘Flavors of the World®,’ celebrating the unique world heritage of our popular managed varieties; and ‘Flavogram®,’ a tool that educates consumers and encourages them to discover new favorite flavors,” Rochelle explains.

“This strategic approach helps differentiate our offerings and enhances the shopping experience by educating consumers and encouraging exploration—all while providing our retail customers with a platform to promote,” she adds.

Innovation at CMI Orchards extends beyond marketing. The company is deeply invested in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

“We have partnered with Royal Family Farming to integrate byproducts from our orchards and packing sheds into one of the largest regenerative farms in the USA.

This includes operating the world’s largest worm farms and developing The Soil Center, a center of excellence for soil health that uses upcycled byproducts from our operations to create regenerative ingredients,” Rochelle details.

This initiative highlights CMI’s dedication to sustainability while simultaneously improving the quality of its products. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, they focus on practices that not only benefit the planet but also enhance the nutritional value and taste of their offerings.

This dual approach ensures that their products are both healthy and enjoyable, demonstrating the significant advantages of their sustainable methods.

The dedication to sustainability is further evident in their growing philosophy. CMI Orchards’ growers are multi-generational orchardists who believe in balancing innovation with tradition to produce the best-tasting fruit while conserving resources for future generations.

Actively utilizing Integrated Pest Management in their orchards, they aim to reduce the frequency, application, and overall usage of pesticides.

Efforts are underway to convert orchards to drip irrigation and micro-sprinklers to eliminate excess water application.

Additionally, contributions to local groups, such as the beekeeper association, help enhance the health of the vital honey bee industry. This approach ensures that their farming practices are both sustainable and environmentally beneficial.

Image Credits: CMI’s Instagram

CMI Orchards also takes pride in its organic production.

Approximately 20% of their total production is USDA-certified organic, with plans to increase this to 25% within five years.

The company’s commitment to organic farming is exemplified by the success of its Daisy Girl Organics® brand, which has grown to become the #1 selling branded organic apple in the United States.

Looking to the future, CMI Orchards is excited about ongoing innovations in both product offerings and sustainable practices.

“As for new apple varieties coming down the pipe, we have several in the works—stay tuned for more exciting updates from CMI Orchards as these new innovations get closer to market readiness,” Rochelle hints, pointing to the company’s continuous drive for innovation and improvement.

The story of CMI Orchards is one of tradition, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

From their strategic growing regions in Washington State to their unique marketing programs and sustainable farming practices, CMI Orchards exemplifies what it means to be a leader in the produce industry.