Chilean Ambrosia flavors Oppy’s spring apple line
As taste-buds turn to fresh crop apples, Oppy announces increased volumes of Chilean Ambrosia, with first arrivals planned for mid-May.
“Ambrosia is a top performer in the premium apple space in both volume growth and dollar sales,” said David Nelley, Oppy’s vice president of categories, who points to the advantage of stocking new-crop premium apples including this sweet, crunchy favorite, now.
“Leading retailers have told us it’s no longer enough to carry new apple varieties, as there are many to choose from. To stand out, they’re looking for the very best flavor available at the time. Storage apples don’t compete in flavor with new crop JAZZ™ or Envy™, and we think we’ve found something really special in the Chilean Ambrosia from David Del Curto.
“Volumes of the original BC Ambrosia are winding down, and the new crop really delivers the signature Ambrosia flavor and texture. Chile offers a fresh-picked Ambrosia that provides a color break, eats fantastic and keeps apple sales rolling into the summer.”
David Del Curto (DDC) of Santiago is one of two growers authorized to produce Ambrosia in Chile. DDC first planted the apple in 2009, selecting locations that best replicate the growing conditions in British Columbia known to produce the best-tasting fruit.
“We discovered that very good Ambrosia can be produced in Southern Chile, due to good chill hours that amplify the color and flavor characteristics North American consumers appreciate about the apple,” said Marcos Echenique, DDC sales director. “We’re replicating Ambrosia’s ‘natural environment’ as best we can, producing apples that deliver consistently on taste, which has emerged as Ambrosia’s most compelling attribute.”
Echenique notes that DDC’s Ambrosia has achieved good color intensity through the application of reflective film placed between the rows and nets for sun protection. After being picked and cooled slowly to retain flavor and crunch, 100 percent of the Ambrosia is packed on a single line for consistency by specifically trained staff.
Nelley said customers appreciate the year round supply Oppy offers by bringing Chilean and New Zealand Ambrosia to North America after the original Ambrosia from BC is sold out.
“Now it’s possible for our customers to sustain momentum with high-quality Ambrosia, along with super tasty New Zealand JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples available on a single order from Oppy this summer,” he said.
Along with its other premium apple and pear offerings, the leading marketer and distributor’s business development team will drive retail sales of Oppy’s Chilean Ambrosia program via high-impact custom promotions.
