Season three

July 2024

Season Three Signals Strong Momentum for Sassy™ Apples

Sassy™ Apples entered its third commercial season with growing momentum, increasing volumes, expanding grower partnerships and strong colour and quality across orchards.

For the 2024 season, volumes doubled compared to the previous year, with fruit grown across New Zealand’s key apple regions as well as Australia. Early harvest results exceeded expectations, with strong yields and excellent colour development — particularly the deep, block-red finish Sassy™ is known for.

Fruit was supplied to both domestic markets and key international destinations across Asia, including China, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong. The season also marked an important step forward for Australian production, following weather-related challenges the year prior.

The resilience of Sassy™’s grower network was particularly evident in Hawke’s Bay, where orchards rebounded strongly after Cyclone Gabrielle. The resulting crop delivered vibrant colour, consistent size and excellent eating quality — a testament to both orchard recovery and the variety’s natural strengths.

With growing international demand and expanding counter-season supply, Sassy™ continues to establish itself as a reliable, premium apple with global appeal.