Crunch Time Apple Growers, a New York State-based cooperative of 152 member-growers, announced it will deliver 175,000 bushels (a 35 percent year-over-year increase) of its premium apple variety RubyFrost™. The tart but sweet flavor of RubyFrost apples will soon be available in select produce aisles, with wider distribution expected in Q1 2022.
Crunch Time undertook a complete brand refresh for RubyFrost apples during its off-season. The overhaul includes an enhanced logo and branding retailers and consumers will begin seeing on packaging, promotional materials and beyond.
"The RubyFrost brand refresh will be transformative this season, and for many to come. We took the time to focus on what it is consumers love about RubyFrost — the tart flavor profile, size, ruby red color and versatility of use — and visually accentuated those attributes," said Jessica Wells, executive director, Crunch Time Apple Growers.
Crunch Time Apple Growers will deliver 175,000 bushels (a 35 percent year-over-year increase) of its RubyFrost apples this season.
Crunch Time will also expand its distribution reach this harvest season with three new sales partners: Applewood Fresh Growers LLC, Rice Fruit Company and Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc. These new packers and shippers allow Crunch Time Apple Growers to expand its geographic reach among existing grocers and new retail partners, particularly in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Greater reach converts to greater access for consumers to buy and enjoy RubyFrost apples on a consistent basis.
"For those who prefer a less sweet, more balanced taste, RubyFrost is the perfect apple. It combines sugar and acidity to offer a beautifully sweet but tart flavor profile that's packed full of vitamin C so it doesn't brown quickly," said fifth-generation farmer Joel Crist of Crist Bros. Orchards Inc. and Crunch Time Apple Growers board chair. "The brand refresh is exactly what we needed to spotlight the appeal of RubyFrost to tart apple lovers."
The RubyFrost apple was developed and bred by Dr. Susan Brown of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Developed, nurtured and bred by Dr. Susan Brown of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, RubyFrost is grown commercially in Upstate New York. Dr. Brown strategically developed the apple — creating a tart flavor profile appealing to about 30 percent of consumers, a versatile apple perfect for cooking, baking and topping salads and naturally non-browning due to high vitamin C.
Its East Coast roots provide the variety a competitive advantage over West Coast premium apples: cost-effective transportation to primary selling regions, greater freshness, quality and, ultimately, lower shelf prices.
For more information:
Jessica Wells
Crunch Time Apple Growers
Tel: 716-300-8522
jessica@crunchtimeapplegrowers.com
www.crunchtimeapplegrowers.com
https://rubyfrostapple.com/