Washington has exported its largest ever volume of Pacific Rose apples to Hong Kong this year on the back of buyers’ increasing awareness of the variety.
Exports of Pacific Rose apples from New Zealand, the variety’s home, have done well in Asian markets in recent years, and apples from Washington present a good opportunity for counterseasonal supply.
Washington’s Pacific Rose exports into Hong Kong this season hit a high of 50 FEU, around 50 tonnes, according to Tim Jacometti, who manages the North American export programmes for Enza, which owns the global marketing rights for the club variety.
“I believe that the Washington supply is extremely attractive to retailers, as it means they can have a continued supply of a highly sought-after variety 12 months of the year,” he told Fruitnet.com.
“Feedback is very positive; customers are really happy with the flavour and appearance of this apple. With so many new varieties being low in colour, Washington growers are doing an excellent job of obtaining good colour in this apple and capturing the very discerning Asian market.”
Pricing of the variety in Hong Kong has been strong this season – higher in fact than last year at the same time.
Pacific Rose sales have been split between retailer and wholesale buyers, and Enza has been increasing its marketing efforts to promote the general brand and the company’s proprietary apple varieties.
