Key growing regions across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have reported excellent colour, high Brix and a strong crop set
Harvest has begun across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for the block-red, high crunch Sassy apple.
Australia reported its first pick on 2 February, bringing welcome relief to domestic retailers following a tight apple season last year. South African growers followed the same week, while New Zealand’s harvest kicked off on 9 February.
The crop will soon be available across all growing regions, as well as 10-12 of New Zealand’s key export markets.
New Zealand grower-exporter Golden Bay Fruit has called it the “boldest season yet” for Sassy, with all three growing regions reporting excellent colour, high brix and a strong crop set. It said it was a promising start for the variety which has almost doubled global volumes every year since its launch in 2022, with an estimated 100 containers expected across key growing regions this season.
Naturally bred over 12 years by New Zealand’s prestigious Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Plant & Food Research) and commercialised by Prevar, Sassy was designed to deliver on both consumer appeal and grower performance. Its early harvest window and natural heat tolerance give growers confidence under pressure, while her vibrant full-wrap red colour, dense crunch and modern branding make Sassy an easy choice for shoppers.
That heat tolerance is proving its worth this season in Australia, where average temperatures reached 45°C in the lead-up to harvest.
“It’s been a seriously hot summer, but Sassy just laps it up,” said Brent Reeve quality manager at Redland which leads the Australian Sassy programme. “The fruit has coloured beautifully, and after last year’s short supply season, customers can’t get their hands on Sassy fast enough. Getting fresh, new-season apples into stores early is a huge win.”
Redland’s senior business development manager, Daniel Lutman said that while quality remained, the heat had affected sizing.
“The heat has resulted in a slightly smaller size profile for Australian Sassy this year, well suited to export markets, though reducing allocations to some of our domestic retailers who prefer larger fruit.”
In New Zealand, Golden Bay Fruit (Nelson) and Taylor Corp (Hawke’s Bay) have reported strong early colouration and clean fruit heading into harvest, with the signature deep-red Sassy look back in full force.
Most New Zealand-grown Sassy will be exported to Greater China and South-East Asia this season, where the variety continues to build popularity for its balanced flavour profile and striking red hue.
Momentum is also building in the UK, where major retailers are responding strongly to both the branding and eating experience of New Zealand Sassy. In coming years, UK consumers will be able to enjoy year-round supply as Sassy’s UK grower, Mansfield’s, comes into production.
