As I’m sure you are well aware, new products are frequently being introduced to the marketplace – including in your produce department! Just like any other industry, we look for opportunities to excite and engage consumers. For us, that means actively seeking the most flavorful, consumer-friendly apple varieties to plant in our orchards and ship to your supermarkets. So, without further ado, we would like to introduce you to the newest member of our apple family…. Breeze!
The Breeze has a solid pink-red blush over a yellow background. It is aromatic and sweet with a crisp, dense white flesh. Breeze are originally from New Zealand and have been made available to us through our partnership with Freshco. They are harvested for a two-week period at the end of February, and then shipped to the United States for a mid-April arrival.
Due to the increasing demand for the Breeze apple, growers in New Zealand have already doubled their production. And now, we at Sage Fruit, have acreage in Washington as well. Soon, Breeze apples will be available year-round!
Apples from New Zealand?
Why? First, New Zealand grows apples very similar to the way we do here in Washington State. Their growing regions mimic ours; they have warm summer days, cool summer nights and crisp winters. Because of this, they are able to produce the same quality of product that we do. Second, when it’s Spring here, it’s Fall there, which means their harvest occurs as our volume is decreasing. We don’t import ALL varieties, but there are a few, that for one reason or another, the state of Washington cannot provide for a full 365 days. In order to keep consumers supplied with their favorite apple varieties all year, we use the different growing seasons to our advantage. Plus, they have new and delicious varieties (like Breeze!) they want to share too.
Have you tried a Breeze?
No? Well, we’re giving you a chance to “Taste the Breeze!” You can enter for your opportunity to win a sample box + $100 Amazon gift card right here. Be sure to look for them in your produce department, and, if you don’t see them, ask your Produce Manager!