AUGUST 18, 2017 | New York State: Due to favorable weather conditions during the spring and early summer months, Crunch Time’s apple growers have released a positive forecast for this year’s SnapDragon® crop production – which is expected to produce 60% more apples than its 2016 harvest.
“Because of abundant rain this growing season, we expect this year’s SnapDragon® apples to be larger and more flavorful than ever,” says Brett Kast, Orchard Manager at Kast Farms in Gaines, New York. “With consumer demand continuing to increase across New York State, most of our growers have planted extra acreage to meet the high demand. Additionally, our growers’ orchards are rapidly maturing, resulting a higher yield per acre.”
Due to optimal growing conditions, SnapDragon® is expected to go to market earlier this year, with an estimated arrival time of late September/mid-October. The apple is distributed nationally and will be available in supermarkets across the country.
Born of Honeycrisp, SnapDragon® officially launched in 2015. SnapDragon® has seen great success in the marketplace in the last two years. The flavor profile, size and extra crunchy hard “snap” of the apple proved a winning mix with millennials and consumers who shop high-end retail chains in 2016. 2017 will see the apple performing equally well in all consumer categories. With its unique spicy sweet flavor, SnapDragon® is ideal for countless fall recipes, fresh eating and wine and cheese pairings. It’s slightly smaller size makes it the perfect fit for little hands and healthy kids’ lunches and snacks. Moms and grown-ups of all ages reach for “Snap” for its energizing rush of natural sugars – making it the perfect healthy alternative to that second cup of coffee.
SnapDragon® apples will hit orchards, farm markets and food stores by mid-October.