New Zealand-developed variety is lighting up South African stores as consumers are introduced to the apple’s ‘new zing’
In the fresh produce trade people are always looking at new taste experiences. New table grape varieties have changed public perceptions on taste and eating experience, while new types of plums and nectarines are transforming the sector.
South African growers and marketers are at the forefront of these new developments.
An apple is no longer simply an apple – and the latest arrival in the South African consumer market is a full red type that the developers have said is a “sweet thing which will put the zing” back in the apple market.
Sassy was launched with promotions in select stores of a leading South African retailer over the past two weeks.
“The Sassy launch went extremely well,” confirmed TopFruit’s Liza Matthews. “Consumers loved it and 99 per cent of the comments during the tastings were positive.”
Sassy was developed by New Zealand’s crown research organisation Plant and Food Research and commercialised by Prevar New Zealand.
Next Generation Apples own the global licensing rights, a collaboration between multi-generational New Zealand-based growers Taylor and Golden Bay Fruit.
TopFruit has the license for the development of the apple in South Africa.
“This new apple is making waves in the South African market, and it’s got just the right mix of sweetness and zing,” said Matthews.
“Sassy apples are known for their vibrant deep red colour, firm crunch, and perfectly balanced flavour.”
“This marked the first time South African consumers had the opportunity to enjoy this premium apple, which has already captured the attention of global markets,” TopFruit stated.
The apple was offered to consumers in Pick ‘n Pay stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
It is described as a ”new standard” for early-season apples.
“It is more than just a treat for the tastebuds; they are setting a new benchmark for early-season apple varieties,” Matthews continued.
Sassy traces its parentage back to premium apples such as Scifresh, Fuji, and Sciros.
It is said to offer a ”delightful balance of sweetness and mild acidity, with a crisp bite that lingers”.
While this almost sounds like the tasting of premium wines, it proves how far the fresh produce industry has come in bringing excitement back to the business.
“It is distinguished by its quirky conical shape, striking, ruby-red skin with a light-yellow background, and strong colour development that ensures visual appeal,” TopFruit noted.
”This apple also performs exceptionally well in storage, maintaining its high brix levels, firmness, and eating quality over time.”
Evan Heywood, CEO of Next Generation Apples, described Sassy as ”luscious, crunchy, and wrapped with a deep red colour that permeates goodness with every bite”.
He noted it had a “stunning twist beyond its striking appearance and outstanding flavour and boasts an impressive nutritional profile”.
This will bring excitement to people who follow a healthy life-style, because it is mooted that the variety is rich in naturally occurring anthocyanin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties.
Commonly found in blueberries and blackcurrants, anthocyanin is reported to have anti-inflammatory benefits and is responsible for the fine red lines visible in Sassy’s flesh when the apple is cut.
Tru-Cape Marketing, a leading name in apple and pear marketing, has coordinated the market test of the new apple.
At this early stage, although with promising results, Sassy has a long way to travel to become a major player in the world of apples.
