The jewel-red, crisp and sweetly tangy apple variety makes its UK debut in Kent’s orchards
Major strawberry, top fruit and stone fruit producer Mansfields has harvested its first commercial crop of Sassy apples from its orchards in Kent, marking a UK first for the variety.
Mansfields is the first grower to exclusively produce Sassy commecially in the UK. The variety is already grown commercially in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Asia.
An early-ripening apple developed in New Zealand, Sassy is known for its jewel-red colour, crisp texture and sweet-tangy flavour, combining the heritage of Fuji, Sciros and Scifresh.
Its striking appearance has earned Sassy a spot in British Vogue as this season’s “must-have edible accessory”.
The first UK crop marks the beginning of Mansfield’s longer term plans for increasing production next season and establishing the variety as an important part of its British-grown apple range.
James Miller, managing director at Mansfields, said: “Bringing Sassy to British orchards for the first time is a significant milestone for Mansfields and an exciting addition to the UK’s fresh produce offering.
“As customer and retailer demand continues to evolve, investing in new and innovative varieties is essential to maintaining a vibrant and competitive British fruit sector,” Miller continued. “Sassy offers something genuinely different, and we’re excited about its future.”
Mansfields said the introduction of Sassy forms part of its wider commitment to innovation and the future of British fruit growing.
