LOS ANGELES, CA - Giumarra Wenatchee has announced the addition of a new apple variety to its lineup—the French grown Antarès®.

“We are offering Antarès in a 13 kg. Euro-style carton on the East Coast,” explains Jason Bushong, Division Manager for Giumarra Wenatchee. “This is a classic, red-orange hued apple with similar characteristics of consumers’ favorite apples, but it offers the added benefit of a unique sustainability story.”

With initial trial shipments scheduled to begin in February, Antarès is naturally disease resistant and boasts a sweet, aromatic taste. The company describes its flesh as juicy and delicately acidic, touting its excellent flavor balance. A hybrid of the Elstar variety, Antarès is a firm, medium-sized apple developed in a French breeding program. 

“Giumarra will continue to offer our customers unique, exciting varieties from around the world, grown for peak flavor while considering what’s best for the environment,” adds Scott Ross, Eastern Region Business Manager for Giumarra. “Market research indicates that specialty apples are driving category growth, and help draw consumers into the produce aisle. We want to continue delivering memorable flavor experiences to shoppers.”

Antarès is naturally-bred to require 70 percent less traditional disease treatment, according to a press release, which is expected to both reduce environmental impact and promote shelf life.

Ross suggests retailers pump up in-store sampling as an effective way to introduce consumers to the story and flavor profiles of Antarès.

For retailers looking for a specialty apple with disease resistance and great flavor, Antarès may be just the answer.

Giumarra Companies