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New apple variety from FirstFruits of Washington features intense sweetness and crunch

With the start of fall, apples are showing up in the produce aisle in a big way. And Sweetie, a new and intensely sweet and crunchy apple variety from FirstFruits of Washington, is making an appearance at retail this September.

First planted in New Zealand, Sweetie is now grown in Washington state by Broetje Orchards and is sold by FirstFruits Marketing. Sweetie SweetieApple-Cutcombines the best attributes of two parents — Gala's excellent sugars alongside the firm-crisp texture of Braeburn, but with a unique flavor of its own.

True to the Broetje growing philosophy, Sweetie stands next to Opal as an example of new variety innovation and top standards for flavor. It was first planted as a 30-acre test block in Prescott, WA. Over the past two years, additional blocks have been planted as trees have been determined to yield good-quality fruit and consumer response for the variety has been positive.

Similar to Opal, Sweetie was released in limited markets where consumer response could be measured. Initial response has been very favorable, especially among consumers of Gala or Fuji, whose palates tend to like a sweeter apple.

"We are always looking for new varieties that will resonate with consumers to bring to our customers," Andy Tudor, marketing manager at FirstFruits of Washington, said in a press release. "After our huge success with Opal, we knew we would have to follow with something great, and I think we have found it in Sweetie.

"Launching a new variety is a very complex process," Mr. Tudor added. "The fruit needs to be grower friendly, have a good shelf life and appearance, and have some kind of unique quality to get people to try it. Sweetie has all of those characteristics and I believe we have a winner once again."

In addition to its intense sweet taste and crunchy texture the Sweetie variety has a beautiful red blush on a golden-green skin, which makes it stand out from other varieties.

Sweetie was granted its own PLU number (3628) and will be featured in the new product showcase at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in October. FirstFruits Marketing will be available for inquires at booth No. 743.

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