Demand Exceeds Supply During FirstFruits Marketing's 2015-2016 Opal Apple Season

YAKIMA, Wash. – Spend some time on social media and it’s easy to understand why demand exceeded supply during the 2015-2016 Opal apple season as passionate fans continue to share their experiences and praise. A proprietary variety grown and distributed in North America by FirstFruits Marketing, Opal apple fans call it “yummy,” “sweet,” “delicious” and, in terms of social media hashtags, “#bestapplesever.”

“No lie, Opal apples are so delicious, I eat them whole. Core, seeds, and all,” said one Facebook fan. “You have no idea how much I appreciate these apples.”

Thanks in part to an enthusiastic and engaging schedule of in-store demos and sponsorships of events in partner retailer markets, Opal apples sold out in many retail stores across the country. Much of the focus of these events is to educate consumers about the sweet flavor and crunchy texture of this unique yellow apple. In-store demos and events led to a noticeable lift in Opal apple sales in local communities throughout the season.

One Opal fan’s experience described on Facebook tells the story: “So you see it went like this. There weren't enough Opal Apples left, so I blocked the display with my cart while I bagged all 14.” Others posted pictures of well-stocked displays to social media, with one such photo captioned “The moment when you feel you hit the lottery!”

One partner race event in Los Angeles featured Opal apples as a sponsor and offered an opportunity to try the unique variety as a part of participation. When officials posted to the event’s social media channels that Opal apples would be provided at the finish line, they received the most interaction from participants second only to the announcement of a beer garden.

“I am not an apple eater,” started one comment on the Opal apple Facebook page. “I don't like to bite through the hard peeling. I picked up a bag of Opals today and already ate two, peel and all.”

Opal apples are expected to return to the market this October. Learn more at www.opalapple.com.

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About FirstFruits Marketing

FirstFruits Marketing is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers. These growers share a commitment to producing high quality fruit while balancing the demands of purpose, people, planet and profit so that a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved. For more Information, visit www.firstfruits.com

About Opal Apple

Opal apple is known as the apple with a purpose. Grown only in Washington, this Golden Delicious-Topaz cross apple variety was introduced by FirstFruits Marketing in 2010 to wide consumer and media acclaim. Its distinctive color, flavor and texture are not the only qualities that make this product unique: Opal apple was created to make a difference in communities across the nation. Every year, FirstFruits Marketing donates a percentage of sales of every case of apples to worthy organizations that address issues like hunger, food safety, sustainability and the environment.  UEB 32642 variety apples are grown exclusively by Broetje Orchards and distributed under the OPAL® brand name by First Fruits Marketing in North America.

Source: FirstFruits Marketing