National Sales Representative Bruce Turner said the new crop, which exhibits “outstanding color, flavor and texture,” is grown in the Timaru region of the Canterbury Plains on the nation's south island.
“New Zealand is in a marine climate, and its fruit trees grow somewhat faster, with earlier and heavier yields than in other production areas,” Turner said. “Because Timaru is south of Hawkes Bay, another New Zealand apple-growing region, the nights are cooler, which brings on the amazing color in our Honeycrisp.”
Turner said the growers' expertise and the natural growing conditions produce “the perfect blend of sugars and acid, and the crunch and juiciness are terrific. We're seeing better color and more optimal retail sizes than Honeycrisp from other Southern Hemisphere growing areas.”
“It is a really wonderful piece of fruit,” he said, adding that the apple sizing peaks at 80-88, “ideal for retail.”
“The New Zealand Honeycrisp will start arriving in bins in late April, and we will pack fresh to order in Yakima,” Turner said. “They will bear the 'Honeycrisp New Zealand' label and will be distributed by Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers.”
Marboe said, “We strongly believe in the Honeycrisp apple and the consumer preference for this apple matches our vision. That is one reason we are heavily invested in certain New Zealand growing regions and committed to the long-term, year-round success of the Honeycrisp apple.”
Turner said, “The deal is in its early years, and volume will continue to grow. Organics are also being considered for the future. Right now, though, this fresh, new crop is bringing exceptional color and flavor to the market.”
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers and New York Apple Sales are exclusive U.S. marketers for Honeycrisp New Zealand.
For additional information, contact:
Scott Marboe
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
scottm@starranch.com