According to New Zealand's National Radio (RNZ), New Zealand's first pink-fleshed apples went on sale in early June, marking the country's first domestically developed pink-fleshed apple variety.
The apple variety, PremA021, is branded as Fizz, developed by the Plant & Food Research breeding program and exclusively licensed by Prevar to Snazzy Fruit for cultivation and sales. The PremA021 variety was crossbred from PremA153 (commercially known as Lemonade) and A195R30T051, featuring a striking red skin, containing anthocyanins, with a rich and sweet flavor, slightly tangy, and carrying berry notes.
Snazzy's General Manager Josh Parlane stated that Fizz apple trees are currently planted in Otago, Nelson, and Hawke's Bay regions, with approximately 16,000 trees, with plans to transplant more trees this season. The company intends to collaborate with commercial growers to explore grafting possibilities to rapidly expand production in the coming years.
Parlane added that apple trees will be gradually planted, cautiously increasing production to meet market demand and provide sustainable assurances for growers.
Snazzy's primary markets include Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, UAE, and India. The first batch of Fizz apples was exported to Taiwan, India, and the Middle East in early June, with domestic sales in New Zealand set to begin next year. Parlane is highly confident about Fizz apples, with an official group of invited tasters indicating willingness to pay 30% more than existing apple prices.
Prevar, established in 2004, is a fruit industry joint venture company with shareholders including Plant & Food Research and Apple and Pear Australia Limited. Primarily operating through the research institute, Prevar commercially manages and operates newly bred apple and pear varieties. Currently, the company holds global management rights for 18 varieties, has signed 36 licensing agreements, and owns over 183 registered trademarks globally, including well-known brands like Rockit, Joli, Dazzle, Sassy, Cherish, and PIQA Pears.
Image source: Fizz2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report reserves