New Zealand bred-apples Sassy and Dazzle are being grown in Australia by Redland
Redland released the first Australian commercial volumes of the Sassy apple to the domestic market this year, following a short release in 2024.
“We’re really excited to introduce Sassy apples to the Australian market,” says Jordan Bain, head of sales and marketing at Redland. “You normally don’t see much movement or change in the produce department, but Sassy is here to mix things up.”
Known for its vibrant red skin, crisp texture, and balanced sweet-tart flavour, the early-season variety was developed by New Zealand’s crown research organisation Plant & Food Research (PFR) and commercialised by Prevar New Zealand.
Sassy apples are grown by Redland in the heart of Australia’s fruit bowl, Goulburn Valley, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible growing practices. According to the grower-marketer, the variety has proven to thrive in Australia’s unique climate, resulting in a consistently high-quality apple with a rich flavour and high crunch.
“Our farming team is passionate about producing the best fruit possible, and Sassy apples are a testament to their dedication,” says Brent Reeve, general manager, apples at Redland. “Sassy presents growers in the Goulburn Valley a real opportunity to take advantage of its natural heat tolerant characteristics.”
This heat tolerance is key for Reeve who sees potential for Sassy to replace Gala growing in the Goulburn Valley.
“Traditionally, Gala varietals have presented challenges particularly with achieving high colour,” he explains. “Sassy presents no such issue – it loves the heat and colours extremely well. We’re confident Australians will love this new addition to their fruit bowls.”
Redland currently supplies the Sassy apple in independent retailers across Australia. As more volume comes online, the company is optimistic it will stock major retailers including Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi.
“We believe this variety will become a staple in households across the country,” Bain says.
Redland’s commitment to apple IP varietal development is also demonstrated in its production of Dazzle. The mid-season maturing apple was also developed by PFR in New Zealand and is exclusively grown in Australia by Redland.
“[Dazzle] is uniquely sweet with low acidity making a fragrant well-balanced eating apple,” Bain says. “[It] has become a household name in key Asian markets thanks to the work and success of our kiwi friends, [and now] Australian growers are presented with the opportunity to focus on growing for export markets.”
