Snowflake is already sold by a number of retailers in Canada, with production of ‘tri-coloured’ Sunpunch apples due to expand
Canada-based IP specialist Summerland Varieties has made two new apple brands available for licensed production worldwide, after what it describes as positive first steps for the products in its home country.
Called Snowflake and Sunpunch, the apples were both developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s world-renowned breeding programme,
and are said to offer “unique appearance and taste attributes, combined with outstanding shelf-life” that will excite consumers and retailers alike.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer global tree fruit growers, packers and marketers the opportunity to license, grow and sell these extraordinary apples,” says Sean Beirnes, SVC’s general manager.
Snowflake-branded apples are already being sold in Canada by Algoma Orchards, and have been listed by several of the country’s major grocery chains – including Walmart, Loblaws, and Costco.
“A deep red apple dusted with delicate snowflake-like lenticels, the Snowflake apple is perfectly balanced in both flavour and texture,” SVC business development manager Nick Ibuki explains.
“It harvests just before Gala and has demonstrated a remarkable ability to achieve high colour in diverse growing conditions.” Production is now ramping up to meet “robust” consumer demand, adds SVC marketing lead Bunvir Nijjer: “This marks a promising start to a successful global rollout.”
Tri-coloured option
Sunpunch, meanwhile, looks set to offer an altogether different consumer experience with “tri-coloured apples” that go from gold to orange to red, and offer a slightly tropical, “refreshingly crisp and juicy” taste. “Sunpunch apples radiate sunshine all year long,” says Ibuki.
The Sunpunch brand is currently used for one variety, but will eventually feature multiple varieties, he adds.
“We want to ensure that consumers have the best eating experience possible, no matter where Sunpunch apples are grown.” That production, Nijjer notes, will ramp up over the next two years thanks to three growers – Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, Algoma Orchards, and Verger des Bois-Francs.
“The apple has performed extremely well in market testing and grocery retailer interest is high,” she continues. “We believe the Sunpunch apple will be the perfect on-shelf companion to the already successful Snowflake apple.”
