SnapDragon apples experienced a huge 2018-19 season and may have an even better 2019-20 season.
The managed variety was developed by Susan Brown of Cornell University and released by Crunch Time Apple Growers in 2013, according to a news release.
Crunch Time is an association of 147 family farmers across New York state with the license to grow and sell managed apple varieties including SnapDragon and RubyFrost.
According to the release, SnapDragon apples had:
- Sales increases of 100% across several large national retail chains and doubled overall sales in 2018 over 2017 — tripling sales in the Southeast in 2018;
- Increased exports, including to Israel and Vietnam, and Canadian exports increased beyond Quebec; and
- Doubled volume in 2018 and kept pace with other managed varieties on the market for more years.
“We had a solid year in a very competitive playing field,” Rena Montedoro, vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release.
SnapDragon apples are available starting in mid- to late September.
Due to advances in research and cold-atmosphere storage, Snapdragon was available through April this past harvest. Volume is expected to increase substantially in 2020, according to the release.
Crunch Time plans to add packaging options, including 3-pound tote bags, 3-pound pouches and standard 2-pound pouch bags.
Related news:
- United Apple Sales to extend market for RubyFrost into summer
- Women in Produce — Rena Montedoro
- Crunch Time apple varieties expected to be up 30% this season
