AUSTRALIA - Just three years after the first commercial plantings, 2025 marked a major milestone for the Fruit Australia Group with the debut of its first early volumes of Sunrise Magic® apples. Despite one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory—marked by extreme heat and widespread drought—the fruit has exceeded all expectations.

Harvested in mid-March and packed in late September, Sunrise Magic® has demonstrated outstanding storage performance. Fruit quality remained exceptional, with firmness averaging 9.5 kg/cm² and Brix levels averaging 15%—with some apples testing above 17%. With a deeper understanding of the variety, we’re confident that a consistent Brix average of 17% is an achievable target in the near future.

Samples were featured on the N&A booth at Asia Fruit Logistica, where Sunrise Magic® was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Visitors praised its vibrant appearance and excellent eating qualities, with many returning repeatedly over the three-day event for another taste. Texture and sweetness were frequently cited as standout attributes that resonated strongly with potential customers from across the region.

Back in Australia, samples were distributed to major national retailers, where feedback was equally enthusiastic—particularly for the apple’s flavour and crisp texture. A soft launch began in late September through wholesale markets in New South Wales and Victoria, where premium retailers responded positively. As one retailer put it: “It’s not just another apple—it’s Sunrise Magic.”

Although 2025 volumes were modest at just 40 tonnes, strong repeat sales have already signaled significant market potential. Growers within the Fruit Australia Group are optimistic about what Sunrise Magic® offers to Australian consumers.

“With its standout quality, strong consumer appeal, and excellent shelf life, we believe Sunrise Magic® has the potential to reinvigorate what many see as a maturing apple category,” said James Walters of Fruit Australia, in a recent release.

Fruit Australia is the exclusive Australian licensee for Sunrise Magic—a collaboration between three of Australia’s leading apple industry participants: Adelaide Hills Fresh, N&A Group, and 9 Mile Fresh.

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt is introducing two new pear packaging options as part of its robust pear program: a mixed variety bag called Prism Pears for conventional fruit, and two 4-count EZ Band paperboard consumer packs for conventional and organic pears. Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, said the new packages are designed to help retailers find solutions for merchandising pears in the face of a larger crop year and build on Stemilt’s endeavors to invest in pears from the orchard to the final pack.

“Prism Pears is a new mixed-pear bag that combines three colorful varieties, green, red, and brown, in 2 lb. or 3 lb. poly bags, available now for conventional pears and coming soon for organic pears,” said Shales in the recent release. “We first introduced EZ Band to apples, then organic pears, and now it is available for conventional green d’Anjou and Red pears. It will pack and ship in a Euro footprint box with 8, 4-count units in each master. These packaging additions are in line with Stemilt’s ongoing investment in pears from the orchard with the new Happi Pear®, to state-of-the-art packing, and now to innovative packaging solutions to help retailers drive sales.”

According to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s 2025-2026 forecast, overall pear volumes are up 58% compared to last year, with organic pears estimated to increase by 73% (excluding Comice). Stemilt’s crop is up from last season, offering a reliable supply and strong promotion opportunities for both conventional and organic pears, especially winter varieties like d’Anjou, Red pears, and Bosc.

“With bigger volumes of pears this year, packaged programs can help create incremental sales opportunities and make pears easier for shoppers to buy,” explained Shales. “Prism Pears is a way to highlight multiple pear varieties in a single bag and encourage consumers to try a pear they may not have before, while the paperboard EZ Band option helps build visibility for large-medium sized pears. Retailers can rely on Stemilt to have a good supply this season and the tools to see success in the pear category.”

Shales stated that promoting pears, especially organics, will be key this year. Pairing them with an in-store event like Pear Month in December, or creating more display space, can help pears stand out and drive additional movement. Stemilt will be highlighting both new packages at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show at its booth #2847 and is looking forward to conversations with retailers about how best to position pears this season.

“The addition of Prism Pears and new EZ Band packaging options gives retailers choices in how they merchandise pears this season to see incremental sales,” said Shales. “With more fruit to move, we want to make sure pears are easy to merchandise and appealing to shoppers, whether conventional or organic.”

GONZALES, CA - Misionero, a leading grower and fresh-cut innovator, is proud to announce the rebrand of its Garden Life™ Washed & Trimmed line. The refreshed packaging and visual identity delivers a modern, cohesive look across the full portfolio—while maintaining the same trusted field-grown quality.

According to a press release, the new design enhances both shelf appeal and sustainability, featuring pre-printed lidding film that eliminates approximately 40% of plastic per container, reducing material use while maintaining freshness and convenience. Clean, bold color segmentation improves shopper recognition, while consistent branding and simplified quality callouts—Field Grown • Crisp & Crunchy • Hand Harvested—reinforce Misionero’s commitment to premium, practical produce solutions.

"This rebrand reflects what today's shoppers are looking for: field-grown freshness and ready-to-use convenience," said Nicole Minnich-Zapata, Marketing Director at Misionero. "The new Garden Life™ design not only modernizes our look but also supports retailers in continuing to drive category growth through stronger on-shelf differentiation. The rebrand comes at a time of strong momentum for Washed and Trimmed lettuces, which continues to outperform the broader packaged salad market."

The refreshed line includes:

• Lettuce Wraps (formerly Lettuce Boats)
• Romaine
• Green Leaf
• Red Leaf
• Deli Leaf

The new Garden Life™ identity will make its official debut at IFPA Global 2025 in Anaheim, where attendees can preview the refreshed look and learn more about Misionero’s expanding portfolio of premium field-grown innovations. Visit Booth #1075 to see how Misionero is helping elevate and grow the lettuce category.

For more information about Misionero or the Garden Life™ rebrand, visit www.misionero.com.