KORU apples arrive from New Zealand
About 85 percent of this year’s New Zealand KORU® crop is being shipped to the U.S. for distribution and sales through three suppliers that represent the Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative: Borton Fruit and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers of Washington State; and New York Apple Sales of New York State. These three organizations are three of the biggest companies in the industry.
While the first May arrivals of KORU® have been sold, more containers will be arriving later in May and over the next few months, so it is still possible to order these New Zealand KORU® apples in 12 kilogram Euro and 18 kilogram traypack cartons as well as pouch bags. Fruit quality is exceptional, according to Tim Byrne, Manager of Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative.
“The three prime sizes make up 80 percent of these apples, so they're really perfect-size fruit,” said Byrne. “This is the third New Zealand crop, slated for export to North America. These apples are ideal in many ways – sweet flavor, crisp flesh, great color, and good size.”
A cross between Fuji and Braeburn varieties, the KORU® brand is positioned as a premium apple, much like Honeycrisp. “KORU® brings together the subtle sweetness of the Fuji with the Braeburn’s slight tang,” noted Byrne. “It’s really an inspired combination, perfect for eating, baking, and cooking.”
Only commercially harvested in New Zealand since 2013, KORU® has already achieved a reputation as a superior apple for production, storage, and consistent quality. Consumers appreciate how it retains crispness and a rich, aromatic flavor with a honey finish.
To order KORU® apples from New Zealand, purchasers may contact –
New York Apple Sales, New York.
Kaari Stannard, kaari@newyorkapplesales.com, John Cushing, john@newyorkapplesales.com, or Michael Harwood, harwood@newyorkapplesales.com - 518.477.7200.
Borton Fruit , Washington. Sky Johnson - 509.823.2745, sky@bortonfruit.com
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Washington. Bruce Turner, brucet@starranch.com or Shane Cass, shanec@starranch.com - 509.663.2191
KORU® apples are being supported with point-of-sale and marketing materials including display bins, high graphic merchandising cartons and pouch bags. The brand is positioned to consumers with the tagline: “Escape Ordinary,” and the descriptor “crisp, sweet, and naturally delicious.” These promotional materials can be obtained at no cost through the Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative supplier from which you order.
More and more orchards are being planted with KORU®, with 15 growers in New York and another six in Washington.
For more information:
Tim Byrne
Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative
+1 651 398 5503
tim@newyorkapplesales.com