Crunch Time Apple Growers of Lockport, NY, reports its exclusive offering, RubyFrost, is up 25 percent this crop year. Described as an all-purpose apple, RubyFrost is known for its deep red skin and bright white flesh, ideal for baking or setting out on the counter for a grab-and-go snack.

“Especially this time of year, RubyFrost is appealing, as people are in their houses, they want to cook, they want to bake, and they want to do all that in a healthier way,” said Jessica Wells, executive director at Crunch Time. “RubyFrost is a great choice for that — a perfect balance of sweet and tart.”

RubyFrost is an excellent choice for savory dishes, bursting with Vitamin C, making them slow to brown, perfect for charcuterie boards and salads.

Wells said most of its New York growers saw optimal growing conditions, “we had the right amount of rain, at the right time, making it a good year all around for growing apples — RubyFrost and SnapDragon both look great and are sized nicely.”

Crunch Time Apple Growers comprises 150 growers, supported by 11 shippers. Wells explained, “We see one of our job as customer service, making sure retailers have all the support they need to sell their varieties.”

The Crunch Time executive highlighted the need for great dialog with retailers, especially as brick-and-mortar storefronts expand and refine their e-commerce experience. “We all want that experience for the end consumer to be as easy as possible — good descriptions of what’s available, great pictures and key descriptions of flavor profiles,” she said.

“People are spending good money on groceries these days, and so the happier we can make the end consumer, the more likely they are to continue buying.” Wells encouraged retailers to expand programs on featured varieties, as “shoppers are looking for opportunities for return purchase when they fall in love with an apple. Consumers are going to be frustrated when something they purchase and love once is not available the next time. Longer programs will ensure everyone’s succes.”

Crunch Time Apple Growers has available volume on their all-purpose RubyFrost. Wells added, “so as other varieties run out, keep RubyFrost in mind as a great alternative, particularly this time of year.”