A new apple variety from the Havelock North Fruit Company in New Zealand has followed domestic recognition by picking up a nomination for the prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2011 (FLIA).
Rockit, a new small apple created in Hawke's Bay and marketed as being 'sweet, crunchy and distinctively fresh', is one of 10 entries for the award, which recognises outstanding new products and services in the international fresh produce industry.
Slightly bigger than a golf ball, sweet flavoured and boasting an intense red blush colour, the apple is marketed in innovative packaging that Havelock says provides a healthy and highly convenient snack alternative for children and adults.
Phil Alison, managing director at Havelock Fruit Company, said that the apples' recognition was a boost for potential new sales both locally and domestically.
'It's a small apple that is really punching above it weight,' he noted. 'The apple has captured the imagination of the produce industry and consumers both nationally and internationally.'
Havelock recently won both the Small/Emerging Enterprise Award and the Food Innovation Award at the New Zealand Food Awards, with domestic Rockit sales proving successful, while offshore markets have been established in the UK, US and Asia.
Rockit apples will be on show at the Plant & Food Research stand at Fruit Logistica 2011 in Berlin on 9-11 February, with the winner of FLIA 2011 revealed during a presentation on the final day of the event.
