Summerland Varieties Corp. launches two apple varieties in Canada

CANADA – Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC), based in Canada, has officially introduced two fresh apple varieties to the market: Snowflake and Sunpunch.

These apples bring a distinct appearance and taste, offering consumers an exciting alternative.

The Snowflake apple, a striking deep red fruit with delicate snowflake-like lenticels, stands out for its balance of flavor and texture.

“It is harvested just ahead of Gala and has demonstrated a remarkable ability to achieve high color in various growing conditions,” said Nick Ibuki, director of Business Development for SVC.

The variety was developed through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s fruit tree breeding program and is currently being sold in Canada by Algoma Orchards.

Major retailers such as Walmart, Loblaws, and Costco have already stocked this variety, making it easily available to shoppers.

Sunpunch apples, on the other hand, offer a visually different experience. These apples display a mix of gold, orange, and red shades and are known for their crisp and juicy texture with a tropical taste.

“While all Sunpunch apples share these attributes, the Sunpunch apple brand will be composed of multiple varieties, the first of which has been developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,” Ibuki explained.

He added, “We want to ensure that consumers have the best possible dining experience, regardless of where Sunpunch apples are grown.”

Unlike Snowflake, which is already in stores, Sunpunch apples will gradually roll out in Canada over the next two years.

The launch will be managed by Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, Algoma Orchards, and Verger des Bois-Francs. Market tests and retailer trials have already shown strong demand for this variety.

SVC is recognized for its expertise in developing and managing fruit varieties. The company, based in Summerland, British Columbia, specializes in intellectual property management for tree fruits and berries.

By working with breeders and rights owners, SVC facilitates the licensing, propagation, and commercialization of distinct fruit varieties across local and international markets.

Before the introduction of Snowflake and Sunpunch, SVC had already made a mark with other popular fruit varieties.

The Ambrosia apple, for example, has gained international recognition for its sweet flavor and crisp texture.

In the cherry category, the Staccato cherry offers a late-season harvest with a rich taste, while the Sentennial cherry stands out for its firmness and long shelf life, making it ideal for export.

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