Okanagan Arctic Golden apple

Canadian agricultural firm Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc (OSF) has been acquired by TS Biotechnology Holdings (TSBH).

OSF is best known as the company behind the development of the non-browning Arctic apple, while TSBH is an affiliate of businessman Randal J. Kirk’s venture capital firm Third Security.

Grower-led grower and marketer OSF supplies the retail and foodservice markets, and said its Arctic apples provide consumers with a fresh sliced product that requires less preparation, produces less waste and delivers better taste.

“R.J. Kirk is a powerful champion of our Arctic apples and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with him at Third Security,” said Neal Carter, founder of OSF. “Collaboration with Third Security will facilitate our continued success as we further expand into retail and foodservice, enhancing our ability to deliver more apples in more places.”

Kirk added: “The success of OSF’s Arctic apple is groundbreaking for the produce industry and for bioengineering science. We are excited to add OSF’s innovation and passion to our portfolio.”