It's no secret that the development of a new fruit or vegetable variety takes years and is a collaboration between the breeder and the grower. At the recently held IFPA Global Produce & Floral show in Anaheim, Nature Fresh Farms launched a new pepper variety, Sweet S'NAPS. The product has been in the making for several years. "We tasted this pepper on a discovery trip to the Netherlands approximately six years ago," says Matt Quiring, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Nature Fresh Farms. "Since that time, we've been working jointly with the seed provider to perfect this variety, allowing us to bring a category disruptor to the market."
Mid-size pepper
Why is this new pepper variety expected to have such a big impact? "The pepper category is one that hasn't seen innovation in quite some time," commented Quiring. "With Sweet S'NAPS, that is changing. Compared to traditional bell or long sweet pepper varieties, Sweet S'NAPS offers a much lighter, crispier texture paired with a sweeter, juicier profile. In fact, their juicy texture is similar to that of a Granny Smith apple." In addition to the texture and flavor, their size is different. "They fall into a mid-size pepper category, which currently does not exist in the marketplace. All in all, this pepper is unlike anything on the market and is getting resounding feedback from retailers and consumers alike for its flavor, quality, and uniqueness," added Quiring. Sweet S'NAPS will be available in five different colors: red, orange, yellow, olive, and brown/purple.
Sweet S'NAPS come in five different colors.
Available spring 2024
While Sweet S'NAPS was first introduced to the industry at IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, it will take another few months for their in-market launch. "They will hit store shelves in Canada and the US in spring 2024." From then on, Sweet S'NAPS will be available year-round, grown in Nature Fresh Farms' facilities in Leamington, Ontario. Packaging concepts are still being developed, but the product has been showcased in 12 and 24 oz. top seal with a label sleeve. "The feedback we've been receiving tells us that we are on the right track, and we will continue to make improvements until in-market launch in spring 2024."
Sweet S'NAPS were launched at IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show. From left to right: Jocelyn Mastronardi, Khalil Issa, Spencer Lightfoot, Krysta Markham, and Ray Wowryk.
For more information:
Krysta Markham
Nature Fresh Farms
Tel.: (+1) 519-326-1111
Krysta.markham@naturefresh.ca
www.naturefresh.ca