First Chilean Cosmic Crisp apples to hit shelves in Brazil and Taiwan

Written and reported by Macarena Bravo | Lee esta noticia en Español

With a clear emphasis on innovation in the fruit industry, the export company San Clemente has begun its first commercial shipments of Cosmic Crisp® (WA 38) to Brazil and Taiwan, two strategic markets known for valuing fruit of large sizes and high quality.

The variety was developed more than 20 years ago by Washington State University. In 2018, San Clemente obtained the exclusive license for cultivating and exporting it from Chile and other regions in Latin America, making it the only local producer of Cosmic Crisp®.

Martín Toro, the company’s commercial manager, told FreshFruitPortal.com that the variety represents a solid investment from both a commercial and production standpoint.

The apple "catches the eye" with its intense, sparkling red color, he says, and stands out because of its sweet flavor and firmness. Toro also explains that the fruit "doesn't oxidize much and holds up very well out of cold storage," he said.

This year marks San Clemente's first commercial apple harvest, with over 1,300 tons harvested from more than 120 planted acres. By the end of the year, the company projects about 50,000 44-pound boxes and is already moving forward with new plantings.

Cosmic Crisp® from Chile to Brazil and Taiwan

San Clemente's commercial manager commented that Taiwan is a market that likes large sizes, while Brazil usually prefers medium sizes.

He explained that consumers want to try the fruit just from seeing the photos because it has excellent appeal. "After they try it, they want to repeat the purchase," he said.

As this is the first harvest, and while there is considerable interest in the apple, there is one limitation: its size. However, San Clemente’s Commercial Manager says they’ll have greater success with the product once the trees reach the right level of maturity.

"Today, there is competition in the apple market like never before, and the expectation is to consolidate the name of the variety and have people recognize it," Toro said

Looking ahead, Toro said they project reaching 150,000 boxes in three years, but he has even bigger expectations. 

"I think we will reach 175,000—we have plans to expand, so we continue to invest and expand apple orchards in the Angol area, where we have our main apple production zone," he added

The San Clemente representative noted that the company will define growth once the markets react to this variety. "But there are many bets on this variety," he concluded.

Research and variety

To gain insight into the variety's origin, FreshFruitPortal.com spoke with Kathryn Grandy, Marketing Director at PVM, the licensing company behind brands such as Pink Lady and Cosmic Crisp. She noted that Taiwan, one of this first crop’s destinations, is a significant export market for Washington state apple growers.

"Between exports, sample shipments, and marketing efforts by the Washington Apple Commission, the brand's presence and popularity have increased in the Southeast Asian and Taiwanese markets,” she explained. “I believe these markets are ready to receive additional quantities from Chile to meet the demand."

Grandy explained that licensees like San Clemente meet the strict quality standards PVM requires, such as delivering fruit with the best flavor and the best consumer experience.

The executive also explained that the marketing team for Cosmic Crisp® provides education about the apple, the brand, and other materials, which are usually used for website development and both marketing and social media campaigns.

Photographs courtesy of San Clemente.

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