A new golden-coloured apple variety will be available on New Zealand supermarket shelves within the next two years.

The Royal Gala/Braeburn cross was bred by research company HortResearch, and is exclusively licensed by Prevar Limited for the local market, to family-owned fruit company Johnny Appleseed Holdings Ltd. The company already operates the Yummy brand on the local New Zealand market.

Johnny Appleseed’s managing director John Paynter anticipates significant demand for the new golden apple, which he describes as “unique”.

He said: “There is nothing comparable available in New Zealand in terms of its very clean, almost porcelain appearance, and bright yellow colour with a kiss of pink blush. With a full flavour and firm crunchy texture, this apple truly hits the ‘sweet spot’.”

The apple, which is protected through a plant variety right under the development name PremA153, also has a trademarked fruit name, which Paynter said would be disclosed at a later time closer to fruit availability. Feedback from consumers and marketers to the apple has been positive so far, and he is confident the new Prevar selection will be well received when officially launched.

“Small volumes will be available in 2009, with more significant volumes available thereafter,” said Paynter.

Prevar chief executive Dr Brett Ennis says the firm has been working towards marketing the apple commercially for the past two years.

“The Johnny Appleseed Company recognised its potential and, together with other top fruit companies Heartland Fruit (NZ) Ltd and Fresh New Zealand Limited [who will be sub-licensed by Johnny Appleseed], put forward a commercialisation proposal to Prevar, which was subsequently agreed,” he said.

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