Nov 24, 2025

University of Minnesota expands grower access to commercial apple, grape varieties via Superior Fruit Innovations

The University of Minnesota is launching Superior Fruit Innovations (SFI), a new grower-focused apple and grape varieties licensing model, according to a press release issued by the school. 

The university says it is launching SFI to bring its world-class new varieties to more growers. SFI accomplishes that goal by granting access to exclusive U of M fruit varieties to direct-market growers who sell straight to consumers and local communities. 

Growers of all sizes are able to participate in the program. 

Why is this program important news for fruit growers? 

The university claims that for the first time, varieties bred by the same team that created industry favorites like Honeycrisp apples will be available to growers of all sizes — not just large commercial producers.

What are the benefits for growers?

U of M has a legacy of pioneering innovative release models for its fruit varieties, the university says in its press release. While these managed varieties have been successful, the wholesale fruit market is currently facing serious headwinds, including downward price trends, rising production costs and oversupply.

In contrast, direct-market growers — who sell through orchards, CSAs, farm stands, and local markets — are more insulated from these pressures and are ideally positioned to capitalize on the U of M’s core breeding strengths.

“Superior Fruit Innovations will be connecting the U of M’s top-tier fruits, developed through years of world-class research, directly with the growers and consumers who value them most,” Matt Clark, associate professor in the U of M’s Department of Horticultural Science, said in the release.

Why launch SFI now?

The university says SFI is the next step in a program recognized as one of the top apple breeding and genetics research programs in the U.S. 

The apple breeding program at the U of M began in the late 1800s with the goal of developing cold hardy apples that are high quality and high yielding. Those breeding efforts led to the creation of legendary apple varieties like Honeycrisp, SweeTango and First Kiss/RAVE.

What about crops other than apples? 

U of M says it is known as one of the top grape research programs in the country. The program is recognized for developing high quality, cold hardy wine and table grapes to benefit growers in Minnesota and cold climate regions. The wine grape breeding program began in the mid-1980s.

The university says its breeders are preparing to launch several varieties of seedless table grapes over the next few years.

Check out the University of Minnesota’s website for all the details about SFI.