• The new apple variety is being grown in SA for the first time, and a limited quantity will be available in select Pick n Pay stores.
  • At least 11 major apple cultivars are already available in SA due to the fruit’s popularity among South Africans.
  • Pick n Pay continues to partner with local growers to introduce international popular ‘fruit with a twist’ to local shoppers.

South African apple lovers are in for a treat as Pick n Pay becomes the first retailer to introduce locally grown Sassy™ apples, an exciting new variety originally developed in New Zealand. Known for their deep red colour, bold sweetness, and signature zing, these apples are now cultivated in the Ceres Valley.

Sassy™ apples are known for their bold flavour profile - sweet with just the right amount of zing – and their superior crunch that lasts throughout every bite. “This apple is a game-changer for those who love a crisp, juicy apple with a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness,” says Rebecca Fifield, food technologist at Pick n Pay.

She says that apples are a customer favourite, and Pick n Pay stores stock all the major apple cultivars (11) due to their popularity and being a staple food in many people’s diets. “Top red apples are our biggest seller, but it’s always great introducing something new and we can’t wait for customers to taste the Sassy™ apple.”

 

There will initially be a limited supply of Sassy™ apples as the orchard develops to its full capacity, explains Fifield.

“The orchard is very young, and the supplier wasn’t expecting to get much fruit this year, but the trees surprised everyone. We were offered the apples, and we snapped them up because we’ve wanted to introduce the Sassy™ variety to customers for a long time. The volumes will grow yearly as the trees mature and more plantings are done,” she says.

A small quantity of Sassy™ apples will be sold at four Pick n Pay stores this week, namely Constantia and Plattekloof in Cape Town and On Nicol and Douglasdale in Johannesburg. To celebrate their arrival, the stores will host in-store tastings this Saturday.


Back to previous page