RubyFrost Apples Gain Momentum

Rochester, NY – Known as the wintertime beauty from New York State, RubyFrost apples have sold out right before the start of the spring season.

“We can’t believe how quickly we sold out this year,” stated Mark Russell Crunch Time apple grower and marketing committee chair. “The response from consumers has been extremely positive, and that meant bigger orders from our retail partners.”

Available exclusively from Crunch Time Apple Growers, RubyFrost expanded its retail distribution by 40% in 2016 reaching additional markets across the U.S. The season launched the second week in January and the final supplies were shipped out in mid-March. Russell adds that “It was particularly gratifying for me to have coast-to coast success with RubyFrost. As an Eastern grower, we love to ship west.”

Marketing efforts included a social media contest, coupons, POS materials with high graphic bins, pouch bags and in-store demos. “The demos really tell the tale; people really respond to the combination of a hard crunch with compelling apple flavor, “ said Russell, “that’s what makes RubyFrost such a winner in the New Year.”

RubyFrost enthusiasts report the crisp texture combined with the well-balanced taste of sweet and tart flavors make it such a great snack. According to Russell, consumers showed their love for the new apple this year via social media feedback. One new fan described RubyFrost as “crisp and juicy with a hit of blackberries”, while many others proclaimed it as their new favorite variety.

Russell remarked, “The high demand for this apple shows that its qualities stand out. There’s are a lot of new energy in the category and it’s become an exciting and competitive space. RubyFrost sells well – because it eats well, and that’s what consumers demand.” Formed in 2010, Crunch Time Apple Growers is a grower-owned company united with the mission of introducing great crunchy and flavorful apples to the marketplace. The organization is comprised of 145 grower members in the state of New York, representing about 60% of the state’s apple production.

Crunch Time Apple Growers teamed up with Cornell University, a world leader in apple breeding, to bring the RubyFrost® and SnapDragon® apple varieties to market. Both apple brands are grown exclusively in New York, and the royalties support Cornell’s apple-breeding program. For more information, visit www.RubyFrostApple.com.

Source: Crunch Time Apple Growers