CHELAN, WA - This apple variety continues to rise in popularity as it prepares to become a year-round delight. For the first time, SugarBee® apples will be available through the entire summer season and tie into the fall harvest with no interruption in supply.

Julie DeJarnatt, Director of Retail Strategy for Chelan Fresh, shares her thoughts.

“Since the launch of SugarBee apples in 2016, we’ve been anticipating a harvest and yield to support year-round availability. This marks the first year that consumers can enjoy their preferred SugarBee apples through the summer of 2024,” she notes in a press release. “We have numerous exciting consumer marketing events and demos planned to maintain momentum until the arrival of the new crop this fall.”

Kaci Komstadius, Vice President of Marketing for Sage Fruit Company, also speaks to the popularity of the variety.

“SugarBee is a variety that consumers have come to know and love, and as such a variety, they expect to find it in their local grocery stores. This season’s year-round availability will prove beneficial for both our retail partners as well as consumers, as there will be no disruption in the supply prior to our 2024 harvest. We’re thrilled that they will be enjoyed all year long."

Since SugarBee apples debuted, consumer feedback consistently showed that consumers wanted year-round availability.

This announcement brings not only joy to consumers but also expands the export possibilities for the variety as a whole.

We’ll continue to keep you in the loop with all things fresh produce so stay tuned to ANUK.