The Arctic Apple: An Interesting Case For The Global Fruit Sector

While the US media have been solidly focused on politics, the developments around the market trials of the Arctic Apple have gone largely unnoticed. This genetically modified (GM) apple will hit the shelves of ten selected stores in the US Midwest in early February. If successful, it could trigger a new wave of innovation in the fruit sector.

The Arctic Apple is one of the first GM products with clear consumer benefits instead of grower benefits. The apple is non-browning and therefore will be sold pre-sliced, without any added non-browning solution. On top of that, its appealing look should reduce waste and tempt consumers to eat more, according to Okanagan Specialty Fruits, the company that developed the apple. 

Are these benefits sufficient to make the Arctic Apple a commercial success? Organic, ‘clean label’ and natural foods—regardless of what those terms actually mean—are thriving, while GM foods are under fire. Consumers are sceptical when it comes to GM food, despite the fact that it already constitutes part of their daily diets in the form of GM food ingredients and animal feed.

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