VANCOUVER, B.C. – As The New Zealand Envy™ apple prepares its return to the market next week, Oppy announced that retailers can also look forward to the return of strong dollar and volume contributions from the favorite variety.
“Cool nights and dry harvest days have colored up this season’s New Zealand Envy crop beautifully,” said David Nelley, Executive Category Director for Apples and Pears. “Our retail partners are in for a real treat, not only because the fruit looks and tastes so good, but its category contribution is proven and continues to come on strong.”
Oppy noted in a press release that last year, Envy demonstrated the strongest growth in both pounds and in retail sales of 11 premium apples. Envy’s sales nearly doubled in volume between 2014 and 2015, with its dollar contribution increasing by over 120 percent. Nelley stated that Envy currently ranks fifth in volume after only being commercially available for four years, behind Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, JAZZ™, and Ambrosia.
“We’re proud of that achievement, but not surprised, given that one super premium retailer in California told us Envy has been the biggest item in terms of gross sales in the entire store for certain periods,” Nelley said.
Oppy said that consumers are eager to mark the return of the apple, and have been messaging the company since March when the Washington crop sold out to find out when the next would become available.
“People are extremely eager to learn when they can find this apple again,” said James Milne, Executive Director of Marketing. “We’re excited to tell our passionate Envy seekers where they can buy it, instead of asking them to be patient until the fresh crop is back.”
Oppy stated that retailers should promote Envy at several points throughout the summer season, to ensure that the apple will entice customers with its flavor and color.
The New Zealand Envy apple will be available in retail markets in early June, and continue with New Zealand and Chile crops through September.
Stay with AndNowUKnow as we harvest the latest in industry news and crop updates.
