Dec 16, 2014New variety available to more retailers
Honeybear Brands, the varietal developer, has announced the regions and markets selected for the rollout of its newest apple variety, Pazazz.
The new variety will be available to select retailer partners in several major markets. Honeybear will offer sampling programs to consumers in Austin, Texas; central Florida; North Carolina; Des Moines, Iowa; Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; and Toronto, Canada.
“2015 will be our largest crop of Pazazz, as our young orchards are just beginning to produce fruit,” said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing for Honeybear Brands. “With only limited quantity available the first two seasons, we offered customers at certain retail partners a sneak peek and an early taste of Pazazz.
“This season, with the significant increase in production, we are working to expand the program to additional retail partners across the country as we introduce Pazazz’s distinct flavor profile.”
An open-pollinated Honeycrisp descendent, Pazazz offers a Honeycrisp-like crunch with a distinct flavor profile. Pazazz is a bi-colored apple with a strong, red-dappled appearance and a thin skin that allows the flavor to burst through. The flesh is attractive and creamy with a texture that provides exceptional crispness and a high crunch factor in every bite, according to Honeybear.
Pazazz is harvested in late October, and while it eats great right off the tree it becomes an even better apple as its starches and sugars mature through storage. This is a real win for retailers, as Pazazz helps extend their sales of premium fruit into late winter and early spring, according to Honeybear.
Pazazz will demo throughout January and February. In 2015, for the first time, retailers will also have a newly launched, high-impact retail Pazazz box designed to catch the eye at end cap displays in produce aisles, according to the company.