Rochester, NY – The New York Apple Growers LLC (NYAG) have launched a new apple variety, RubyFrost, which is now available at Hannaford and Wegmans’ stores in New York State, as well as Top’s newest Orchard Park store.
Developed in partnership with Cornell University, RubyFrost is known for its beautiful rich color, definitive crisp texture and a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Over the coming weeks consumers will see special displays of this wintertime specialty at the local retailers. The will be highlighted by grower appearances and demos. “We are excited to introduce this new, limited availability, wintertime apple variety to consumers,” stated Jeff Crist, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of NYAG.” In addition to the wonderful flavor, RubyFrost apples are also an excellent source of vitamin C.”
RubyFrost’s path to go to market is a first for the New York Apple Growers which was formed in 2010 as a grower-owned company united with the mission of introducing exclusive, high flavor apple varieties to the marketplace. The organization is comprised of 145 grower members in the state of New York, representing about 60% of the state’s apple production.
A new web site was developed to highlight the benefits of RubyFrost and provide consumers with recipes and pairing ideas at www.RubyFrostApple.com. The site also includes a “Meet the Growers” section that profiles a grower of the month and also includes the full list of growers in New York State. Also included are links to a new Facebook and Twitter page for both new apple varieties.
In May 2010, NYAG forged a partnership with Cornell for a ‘managed release’ to establish an exclusive licensing agreement in North America for two apple varieties including RubyFrost™ and SnapDragon™, the latter will go to market in the fall of 2014. Both varieties have been a decade in the making with the first trees planted in farmers’ orchards in 2011. Now the still-young trees have produced a limited crop this year with plans for a much larger roll out in 2015.
Apple breeder, Susan Brown, at Cornell’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York says, “Consumer reaction has been wonderful with this new variety. Families who enjoy eating apple slices will find that ‘Rubyfrost’ does not brown quickly after slicing. It is great as a quick, healthy, enjoyable snack, great on a cheeseboard or fruit salad and also performs well in baking.”
Growers pay royalties on trees purchased, acreage planted and fruit produced, and the income is being used to market the new varieties and help support Cornell’s apple breeding program. Cornell has released 66 apple varieties since the late 1890s, including the popular Cortland, Macoun, Empire and Jonagold.
January 20, 2014
Media Contact:
Robin Leous
New York Apple Growers
(585) 478-4288
Robin@newyorkapplegrowers.com