This year’s harvests of the blockbuster new SnapDragon® and RubyFrost® apples are underway with crops expected to be the biggest ever. Behind these two apple varieties is Crunch Time Apple Growers.
Creating increased consumer awareness and demand at the store level is the driving force behind the 2016 marketing plan with the ultimate goal being to get the apples into the mouths of consumers. To achieve this, retail partners will offer in-store demos, create displays using high graphic bins and point of sale materials and offer coupons.
Crunch Time is also partnering with The Tri-State Tough Mudder race, October 8-9, providing apples to the athletes at the finish line. Mark Russell, Crunch Time’s marketing committee chairman wanted to support a fitness event that embodied the fun and flavor of SnapDragon, and the popular 10-mile obstacle course event was just the ticket. “I want to see those muddy faces take their first bite!” said Russell. “That kind of customer satisfaction is what inspires me as a grower.”
Robin Leous, Crunch Time’s business manager reports that response from the consumer has been overwhelming with the overall message being that “they wanted more!” she said. One SnapDragon lover wrote that a friend had given her an apple to try. She bit into it expecting just another apple, but after the first bite proclaimed it the “best apple I’ve ever eaten”. A RubyFrost fan raves that “the color is rich, deep and beautiful. It’s crisp and juicy with a hint of ripe blackberries.”
Russell says that the growers of SnapDragon and RubyFrost are extremely gratified to see retailers supporting these fantastic new apples. Crunch Time has responded by expanding production and seeking more retail partners who share their vision for great tasting, crunchy apples - and the turns and sales that come with them. Russell notes that consumers can begin to enjoy SnapDragon and RubyFrost at members’ farm stands and at farmers’ markets in late September. “You just can’t beat the sweetness, flavor and crunch of SnapDragon. Definitely worth waiting for.” SnapDragon will be in stores in October and RubyFrost in January, while supplies last.
Created by the apple experts at Cornell University, SnapDragon and RubyFrost are grown only by Crunch Time Apple Growers to exacting standards to ensure consumers have a great eating experience. Crunch Time’s 145 apple growers located throughout New York State, began planting their orchards in 2011, the first apples arrived in supermarkets in 2013. Production has been increasing rapidly from year to year, as orchards mature and bear more fruit.
Contact:
Robin Leous
Crunch Time Apple Growers
Tel: 585-478-4288
