Jazz has been trademarked and is the first variety to be fully controlled by Enza in New Zealand. Crown research establishment HortResearch owns the variety, but Enza handles its production and marketing. It is a cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala and is sweet with a touch of acidity. It took 15 years to develop to commercial marketing and there are now 15,000 trees planted in New Zealand. Enza also has trial plantings in the northern hemisphere in France and the US. The company commissioned research in the UK, continental Europe, the US and Asia last season and the results showed a great appreciation for the new apple.

Compared to other varieties in trials carried out in the UK, Jazz scored highest for both appearance and eating quality. German consumers ranked it second behind Braeburn overall and in the US, 90 per cent of those consumers surveyed said they liked both the appearance and eating quality.

Jazz was selected as the name for the apple as it is 'a crisp, fresh, smart name for an exciting new variety,' said Richard Coory, Enza product development group business manager. 'It tested well in our key markets as being easy to remember, refreshing and different, and suitable for the product.' Some 4,000 cartons will be available for sale this season in Europe and North America. Enza's joint venture in the UK, Worldwide Fruit, will handle volumes for the UK market.

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