Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers To Have New Zealand Honeycrisp In Early May

Wenatchee, WA – “We are very excited to bring something special to our customers and to consumers who love the Honeycrisp apple,” Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers Marketing Director Scott Marboe said March 26, adding that OSRG will fill a five-week window with Honeycrisp New Zealand apples starting in early May.

National Sales Representative Bruce Turner said the new crop, which exhibits “outstanding color, flavor and texture,” is grown in the Timaru region of the Canterbury Plains on the nation's south island.

“New Zealand is in a marine climate, and its fruit trees grow somewhat faster, with earlier and heavier yields than in other production areas,” Turner said. “Because Timaru is south of Hawkes Bay, another New Zealand apple-growing region, the nights are cooler, which brings on the amazing color in our Honeycrisp.”

Turner said the growers' expertise and the natural growing conditions produce “the perfect blend of sugars and acid, and the crunch and juiciness are terrific. We're seeing better color and more optimal retail sizes than Honeycrisp from other Southern Hemisphere growing areas.”

“It is a really wonderful piece of fruit,” he said, adding that the apple sizing peaks at 80-88, “ideal for retail.”

“The New Zealand Honeycrisp will start arriving in bins in late April, and we will pack fresh to order in Yakima,” Turner said. “They will bear the 'Honeycrisp New Zealand' label and will be distributed by Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers.”

Marboe said, “We strongly believe in the Honeycrisp apple and the consumer preference for this apple matches our vision. That is one reason we are heavily invested in certain New Zealand growing regions and committed to the long-term, year-round success of the Honeycrisp apple.”

Turner said, “The deal is in its early years, and volume will continue to grow. Organics are also being considered for the future. Right now, though, this fresh, new crop is bringing exceptional color and flavor to the market.”

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers and New York Apple Sales are exclusive U.S. marketers for Honeycrisp New Zealand.

Photo information: Honeycrisp apples from Honeycrisp New Zealand will be available from Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers beginning in early May. This year’s crop exhibits not only excellent color and taste but also optimal retail size. Photos courtesy of Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers

For additional information, contact:
Scott Marboe, Director of Marketing
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
One Oneonta Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801
scottm@starranch.com
509-888-5120

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