VANCOUVER, CA - These fall breezes have rolled in with the thoughts of apples closely trailing behind them. Oppy’s branded varieties like JAZZ™, Envy™, and Pacific Rose™ are appetizing to new apple shoppers because of their vibrant colors and flavorful crunch. Production of the JAZZ is going well in Washington this season.
“Fresh off the trees in Eastern Washington, this year’s JAZZ crop is a beauty,” said Joe Barsi, President of T&G North America, according to a press release.
The company stated in the release that JAZZ, a tangy and sweet apple with a uniquely crunchy texture, has hit top three in sales performance in the premium apple category.
“While JAZZ is well-established at retail, it continues to create excitement thanks to a faithful following, as well as new fans we’re winning with integrated consumer and trade marketing initiatives,” said Barsi. “JAZZ began shipping in early October, following a brief respite between the New Zealand and Washington seasons, and customers were eager to restock as the first fruit came off the trees.”
The JAZZ variety is set to showcase among the refreshed brand after debuting in New Zealand earlier in 2017. While the apples are coming back this fall, they are popping up a bit smaller in size. Like many apples hailing from Washington, JAZZ will join the likes of Envy, which is set to be promoted in a Texas retail roadshow next month, in petite and portable structure.
With larger supplies, the market for U.S. apples has grown 1.3 percent in volume and 2.1 percent in sales since the middle of 2016. This $4.2 billion dollar category is not slowed by higher prices on apples because the taste seems to deliver consumer satisfaction, according to David Nelley, Vice President, Categories for Oppy.
“Sales of premium apples are up 48 percent since 2013,” said Nelley. “That’s the segment of the apple market Oppy specializes in and has been known for, for years. JAZZ, Envy, and Pacific Rose deserve credit for rejuvenating the category. We’re welcoming the U.S.-grown ENZA varieties knowing that we’re progressing positive category results.”
JAZZ is not the only success story Oppy is enjoying. Envy, due to be harvested alongside Pacific Rose in the third week of October, is sitting high at fifth place in premium apple sales.
“Envy sales increased over 60 percent during the New Zealand season,” Nelley said. “Our most significant growth has been in California and the U.S. Southeast, though other regions are not far behind. Meanwhile, Pacific Rose continues to carve out a niche with consumers who like a sweet alternative to a Fuji.”
The organically grown JAZZ, Pacific Rose, and Envy are offered by Oppy, Rainier Fruit Company, and CMI Orchards when they are in season in Washington.
If you are wanting more information on these organic varieties which are due for harvesting soon, visit Oppy at PMA Fresh Summit at booth #1339.
