Sweetie apples will be planted in the UK from November 2011.
The New Zealand variety is a cross between Gala and Braeburn and a sister to Jazz, as it came from the same programme.
The apple will be planted in the UK from next winter, by The Co-operative Farms. Around 10,000 trees will be planted in the first year and the first arrivals will hit the shelves in September 2012, when 30-40t should be available.
Belgium-based ursery René Nicolaï is the head licence holder of the variety.
Leon Jahae, a top-fruit consultant who works for Agrovista, said: “This apple fills the gap between September and December and picks seven days before Gala - it covers a part of the season in which we don’t have that much choice. For that period of time, it’s a better apple that stores better; it has a longer shelf life and answers the needs of the consumer.”
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