VANCOUVER, BC – As consumers turn to apples this spring to satisfy their crunchy, fruity cravings, Oppy has announced an increased supply of Chilean Ambrosias this season. The company expects its first waves to arrive this May.
“Ambrosia is a top performer in the premium apple space in both volume growth and dollar sales,” said David Nelley, Vice President of Categories, Oppy. “Leading retailers have told us it’s no longer enough to carry new apple varieties, as there are many to choose from. To stand out, they’re looking for the very best flavor available at the time. Storage apples don’t compete in flavor with new crop JAZZ™ or Envy™, and we think we’ve found something really special in the Chilean Ambrosia from David Del Curto.”
The company stated in a press release that retailers can find an advantage in stocking new-crop, premium apples, which includes consumers’ love for the sweet and crunch Chilean Ambrosia. Oppy is bringing a year-round supply to its customers with both Chilean and New Zealand Ambrosia apples to North American after the original crop from British Columbia (BC) is sold out.
“Volumes of the original BC Ambrosia are winding down, and the new crop really delivers the signature Ambrosia flavor and texture. Chile offers a fresh-picked Ambrosia that provides a color break, eats fantastic, and keeps apple sales rolling into the summer,” continued Nelley.
David Del Curto (DDC) of Santiago is one of two growers that is authorized to produce the Ambrosia apple in Chile. Since planting its first apple in 2009, the company has selected locations that best replicate the growing conditions in BC that are known to produce the best-tasting fruit.
“We discovered that very good Ambrosia can be produced in Southern Chile, due to good chill hours that amplify the color and flavor characteristics North American consumers appreciate about the apple,” said Marcos Echenique, DDC Sales Director. “We’re replicating Ambrosia’s ‘natural environment’ as best we can, producing apples that deliver consistently on taste, which has emerged as Ambrosia’s most compelling attribute.”
DDC’s Ambrosia achieves its good color intensity through the application of reflective film that is placed between the rows and nets for sun protection. 100 percent of Ambrosia is packed on a single line for consistency by a specially trained staff after being picked and cooled slowly to retain flavor and crunch.
“Now it’s possible for our customers to sustain momentum with high-quality Ambrosia, along with super tasty New Zealand JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples available on a single order from Oppy this summer,” Nelley finished.
Oppy plans to drive retail sales of its Chilean Ambrosia program with high-impact custom promotions.
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