Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards wants to help “bring our country together” by enabling retailers to make a per-box donation to local military groups during its American Dream promotions tied to Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, says George Harter, vice president of marketing. “The Wounded Warrior project or any local military group sees the funds coming from the retailer, not from us,” he says. The promotion involves all of CMI’s core apple varieties plus three branded apples and cherries.

Family Fresh Market is joining 135 SpartanNash stores in carrying six varieties of American Dream® apples.

’Tis the season of giving, and consumers aren’t the only ones getting in the spirit. Retailers and growers alike are forming strategic partnerships as a way to give back to their communities. SpartanNash and CMI Orchards are doing just that—partnering up to support military service members, veterans, and their families. Working with CMI Orchards, more than 135 SpartanNash retail stores will carry the American Dream® apples, with a portion of proceeds slotted to benefit American heroes.

More than 135 SpartanNash stores are now carrying American Dream® apples — and with each bag, SpartanNash is supporting the nonprofit organization Operation Homefront.

American Dream® is a program created by Washington-based CMI Orchards, and was introduced in 2018. The patriotic program started with apples packed in branded cartons and in 2019 the company expanded the program to include cherries. The American Dream® label was created to show support of military families, veterans, and patriots of America. CMI’s American Dream® program became a success in domestic US market and has started to perform well in Asia.

CMI Orchards developed eye-catching American Dream apple and cherry boxes to create a billboard display with a positive, patriotic message that could resonate with consumers. The dream was two-pronged: to honor and give back to those who have served and sacrificed and to help retailers create excitement in their produce departments, by tying in to important holidays. The American Dream program also offered a portion of proceeds from the sale of each box to causes that support veteran and military groups.

Washington-based company CMI Orchards will be hosting a booth for the first time at this year's Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, September 4 - 6, 2019. The company has been attending Asia Fruit Logistica for many years, but its growth - especially in the Asian export market - has prompted the decision to exhibit.

American Dream, a patriotic program developed by CMI Orchards has set the lofty goal of unifying the nation with delicious, Washington-grown apples and cherries. “We decided to use our voice as a large fruit grower in Washington state, to deliver an uplifting, patriotic message about the service and sacrifices made by our troops and veterans to keep our nation strong and safe,” said George Harter, vice-president of marketing of CMI Orchards. “We have a link to people across America who are entering grocery stores every day.”

CMI Orchards, of Wenatchee, participated in the third annual “Made in America Product Showcase” at the White House on July 15.

Washington State tree fruit producer CMI Orchards showcased the company’s American Dream Apples and Cherries at today’s Made in America event at the White House.

Washington State tree fruit producer CMI Orchards showcased the company’s American Dream Apples and Cherries at today’s Made in America event at the White House. 

No matter your political affiliation, being invited to the White House is pretty darn neat. CMI Orchards is one of those very select few. The company was invited to showcase its American-made apples and cherries, packaged under its American Dream® label, during an event hosted by the White House on July 15.

Mast explained that CMI’s American Dream® program includes a component that gives back to military and veteran causes deemed most important to their retail accounts. “We work with our customers to give a portion of proceeds to causes that matter to their region and customer base,” he said. “From fundraising events that support homeless veterans to supporting those wounded in battle, we have found that this program resonates with everyone in a patriotic way and makes everyone feel good about supporting it.”