Wenatchee, WA — The holiday season timing could not be more perfect – nor could flavor and size – for the first commercial release of USA-grown KORU® apples from Washington and New York.
According to Jim Allen, vice president of marketing for New York Apple Sales, harvest of that state’s KORU® started a month earlier than Washington’s, which allowed fruit to hit the market in October.
Three of the nation’s top apple marketing companies are collaborating on the KORU® project. NYAS markets fruit produced in New York. In Washington, the new variety, now touted as the fourth most popular new variety in the United States this past summer, is being marketed by Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers and Chelan Fresh.
The Washington companies started harvesting in early November, and OSRG National Marketing Representative Bruce Turner said the fruit is peaking at 80-88. It is being packed for retail in Packing in 27-pound euro cartons and 2-pound pouch bags.
“We had a great start in October and were able to keep one of our retailers from gapping between New Zealand and U.S. fruit,” Allen said. New Zealand’s season runs from May through September, and the New York crop was harvested right on cue in late September.
The Washington companies also reported a good start and excellent reception, with consumer feedback showing the apple lives up to its taglines of “Escape Ordinary” with its “Crisp. Sweet. Naturally Delicious.” characteristics.
“This is really a great apple, one of my favorites,” said Turner. “It’s interesting that it’s a naturally pollinated cross of Fuji and Braeburn found in New Zealand and yet it tastes like neither parent.”
He added that consumer feedback “has been amazing, and we receive quite a few emails from consumers who tell us how much they love KORU®.”
Chelan Fresh Director of Marketing Mac Riggan said 2017 is the first year for Chelan Fresh to market the new variety. “We’re excited to be part of KORU® family and to work with these other two great companies,” he said.
This year was saw a great import season from New Zealand, with distribution to more than 11,000 stores across the United States and Canada. And with production in both New Zealand and USA now ramping up as young trees mature, KORU® will be available year round starting in 2019.
For additional information, contact:
Bruce Turner
National Marketing Representative
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
One Oneonta Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801
brucet@starranch.com@starranch.com
O: 509-663-2191
C: 509-860-5118-663-2191
Founded in the heart of Washington’s apple country in 1934, Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is a leading fruit grower, packer and shipper that provides its domestic and international customers with quality apples, pears, cherries, stone fruit, grapes and citrus. Visit us on line at www.oneonta.com and www.facebook.com/oneonta.
Source: Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
