Sep 30, 2016

Crunch Time Apple Growers makes plans for SnapDragon, RubyFrost

This year’s harvests of the new SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples are underway with crops expected to be the biggest ever. Behind these two apple varieties is Crunch Time Apple Growers, ready with trade and consumer marketing plans.

Creating increased consumer awareness and demand at the store level is the driving force behind the 2016 marketing plans, according to Crunch Time Apple Growers. To achieve this, retail partners will offer in-store demos, create displays using high graphic bins and point of sale materials and offer coupons.

Crunch Time is also partnering with The Tri-State Tough Mudder race in Englishtown, New Jersey, Oct. 8-9, providing apples to the athletes at the finish line. Mark Russell, Crunch Time’s marketing committee chairman wanted to support a fitness event that embodied the fun and flavor of SnapDragon (pictured above).

Growers of SnapDragon and RubyFrost are gratified to see retailers supporting these new apples, said Russell. Crunch Time has responded by expanding production and seeking more retail partners. Russell notes that consumers can purchase SnapDragon and RubyFrost at members’ farm stands and at farmers’ markets in late September.

Created by Cornell University, SnapDragon and RubyFrost are grown only by Crunch Time Apple Growers. Crunch Time’s 145 apple growers located throughout New York State, began planting their orchards in 2011, the first apples arrived in supermarkets in 2013. Production has been increasing rapidly from year to year, according to Crunch Time Apple Growers. For more information, visit www.crunchtimeapplegrowers.com.