Australian company Red Rich Fruits has secured an exclusive agreement with U.S.-based Proprietary Variety Management (PVM) to grow and market Cosmic Crisp apples, which have seen unprecedented varietal uptake in the U.S.

Red Rich Fruits says this strategic move will help it to diversify and strengthen its category offerings.

“Red Rich Fruits has been growing superior quality apples in Australia’s pristine Yarra Valley for more than 70 years," comments director Michael Napoleone.

"We strive for quality, reliability and customer satisfaction and believe Cosmic Crisp delivers this and more. So we’re delighted that the Red Rich Fruits orchards will now be their official Australian home."

Kathryn Grandy, director of marketing at PVM, is also pleased with the deal.

“We’re elated to have a solid global partner in place like Red Rich Fruits in Australia that support Cosmic Crisp and offer a rich history of growing practices and exceptional fruit quality,” she states.

Appearance and eating quality

The company describes the new red apple as having striking starburst-like lenticels and exceptional eating quality. Cosmic Crisp is a cross between the HoneyCrisp and Enterprise cultivars. 

It also has a large size, vigorous productivity, and good storage life.

Considering these factors, the entity claims it is a win for growers, retailers and consumers alike.

“Red Rich Fruits’ goal is to continually find new ways to surprise and delight Australian consumers," comments Managing Director Matthew Palise.

“With its firm, crisp texture, and a beautiful balance of juiciness, sweetness and tartness, we’re confident the variety will fast become a staple apple variety for Australian consumers."

Cosmic Crisp is the registered brand name for cultivar WA38; the result of over 20 years of research and development by Washington State University in the U.S.