South African apple lovers are about to get their first taste of a new apple that has already generated considerable excitement in international markets.
From September 7, Tru-Cape’s first locally grown Cosmic Crisp® apples will be available exclusively at Checkers, marking the South African debut of this highly anticipated new cultivar.
Developed in the United States, Cosmic Crisp is the result of a cross between the well-known Honeycrisp and Enterprise apple cultivars. It has attracted attention for its striking appearance and, perhaps most importantly, its eating quality.
“Cosmic Crisp is a vibrant red apple with distinctive white lenticels scattered across the skin, creating a pattern reminiscent of a galaxy,” says Jeanne Fourie, New Variety Specialist and Technical Manager at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.
“That is where the ‘Cosmic’ in the name comes from, while ‘Crisp’ reflects the fruit’s pleasing texture and its Honeycrisp parentage.”
A new apple experience
The appeal of Cosmic Crisp extends beyond its eye-catching appearance.
“The apple has a crisp, juicy texture and a well-balanced sweet-tart flavour, offering the kind of satisfying eating experience consumers look for in a premium fresh apple,” says Fourie.
“It is particularly suited to fresh eating, but can also be used successfully for cooking and baking.”
The arrival of locally grown fruit represents an important milestone for the South African apple industry. The first Cosmic Crisp trees planted in South Africa are now coming into production, making this the first commercial fruit from these local plantings to reach consumers.
“Cosmic Crisp is an exciting addition to the South African apple offering, and we’re delighted that consumers will soon have the opportunity to experience it for the first time,” says Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.
“Bringing Cosmic Crisp to South African consumers reflects an important part of Tru-Cape’s role in the industry. As a leader in the South African apple sector, we continually keep abreast of new varieties and emerging opportunities around the world, carefully evaluating their potential under our local conditions. Our aim is to stay at the forefront of varietal innovation while ensuring that the choices we make deliver value for our growers and exciting, high-quality fruit for consumers.”
Premium packaging and in-store tastings
Consumers will get to experience that journey first-hand from September 7, when the first locally grown Cosmic Crisp apples arrive at Checkers. Tastings at selected stores will further whet consumers’ apetites for the new variety, says Johan Brink, Tru-Cape’s sales director for Africa and the local market.
“South African-grown Cosmic Crisp is currently at peak eating quality. As a bonus, it is also hitting shelves at a time when few other bi-coloured apples are available,” says Brink.
“To create even more excitement, Cosmic Crisp apples will be either flow-wrapped or packaged in premium Ziploc bags, helping them to stand out on supermarket shelves.”
The apples will be available in the refrigerated section of stores to help ensure consumers enjoy them at their best.
With its deep red colour, distinctive starry-white lenticels, crisp bite, and balanced flavour, Cosmic Crisp certainly has the looks – and exceptional eating quality – to make a lasting impression.
For more information, please contact Lucille Botha at lucilleb@tru-cape.co.za or visit www.tru-cape.com. Follow Tru-Cape on X (@TruCapeFruit), Facebook (@Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing), TikTok (@trucape), and Instagram (@trucapefruit).
