Stemilt Pinata apple box

In the US, Stemilt Growers has launched a new sweepstake called 'Slice of Paradise' to help celebrate its signature apple Piñata's limited season.

Stemilt is providing consumers with a chance to win a getaway for two to Maui, Hawaii by entering its online sweepstakes through to 5 February 2016.

“Our tropical apple, Piñata, is warming up produce departments right now and we’re excited to offer one lucky Piñata fan with the chance to warm themselves up through this first-of-its-kind sweepstakes at Stemilt,” said Brianna Shales, communications manager at Stemilt.

The grand prize of the “Slice of Paradise” sweepstakes includes airfare for two to Maui, Hawaii, three nights and four days of hotel accommodations, and US$500 in spending money for dining and activities. The winner is slated to be selected at random and announced around 12 February 2016.

Stemilt is the exclusive marketer of Piñata apples in North America. The apple was bred in Germany in the 1970s and is a cross between Golden Delicious and two heirloom varieties, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg. Stemilt introduced Piñata as its signature variety in 2009, and quickly saw it became a sought after apple among consumers.

“Piñata’s parentage gives the fruit a great crisp texture, balanced sugars and acids, and hints of pineapple for that tropical finish. It’s a unique apple with a loyal consumer following that grows each year,” said Shales.