Apples have long been the royalty of autumn’s harvest, but in the past decade, winter apples have surged in popularity, leading to significant growth for apple growers. While traditional varieties remain essential, the increasing demand can be largely credited to the introduction of numerous new varieties that are reshaping the market.

For example, Next Big Thing, a cooperative of dedicated growers at premier orchards from Nova Scotia to Washington, introduced the SweeTango, in 2019 — a premium apple variety that combines the Honeycrisp and Zestar! Varieties.

Moving into the first quarter, Stemilt Growers, a family-owned-and-operated company, looks to delight consumers with Cosmic Crisp, an apple with out of this world flavor and plenty of crunch. “It’s a cross between Honeycrisp and Enterprise apples, which gives it a balanced flavor and texture, and natural resistance to browning when sliced,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt.

FirstFruits Farms continues to be a leader in premium apple production, combining a robust portfolio of branded apples with sustainable practices and a commitment to community. With orchards in Washington and Michigan, the company offers a diverse range of high-quality apples while emphasizing employee welfare and environmental stewardship.

CMI Orchards has become a leading name in the apple industry, recognized for its expansive portfolio of branded apples, forward-thinking retail support and dedication to sustainability. Offering a wide selection that includes Ambrosia Gold, Cosmic Crisp, Envy, JUICI and many others, the organization ensures there is an apple for every consumer. Danelle Huber, senior marketing manager for CMI Orchards, noted, “With the largest varietal selection in the industry, we ensure there’s a perfect apple for every shopper.”

The New York Apple Association is kicking off the new year by launching its new consumer campaign for 2025, “The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good” with New York state apples. The campaign includes social media content, entertaining videos featuring Bob for Apples from the NYAA 24/7 virtual news desk, apple nutrition from Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and NYAA spokesperson, and a series of healthy recipes and usage ideas for New York apples.

Autumn Glory apples are making waves in the market with an impressive performance this season, particularly amongst younger consumers and premium shoppers.