Sep 9, 2024

Bigger organic SweeTango apple season expected

The marketers of the SweeTango apple variety are predicting this year’s harvest will yield a fifth more production.

In a crowded apple market, it’s now retailers’ chance to impress shoppers with the most exciting apple — the trademarked SweeTango variety, according to a news release from the Next Big Thing, an Emmas, Pennsylvania, growers’ cooperative that promotes the variety.

“This harvest, growers forecast a longer season, with 20% more apples compared to prior years,” according to the release. “Growers also report apples will be bigger, juicier, and better in bulk, but whether supplying in bags or stacking them on the shelves, they’ll have a selection for any retailer’s needs.”

Stemilt Growers’ Brianna Shales is optimistic about the harvest.

“We’re harvesting and packing SweeTango apples in Washington State, and excited about the volume and quality we are seeing so far in the new crop,” Shales said in the release. “SweeTango consistently ranks in the top 10 apple varieties in October, which is one of the biggest apple promotion months each year. With increased volumes of SweeTango, we can delight SweeTango fans even longer with additional promotions and activity at the point of sale into the winter months that will highlight its fantastic crunch and honey-sweet flavor.”

SweeTango apples are available conventionally and organic.

One is never enough. SweeTango’s “superfan” base can’t resist the sweet, citrusy, and honey-spiced flavor, plus the apple’s award-winning crunch. Whether eaten fresh and whole, sliced and spread with almond butter, or to elevate a charcuterie plate, SweeTango meets any occasion. Dedicated shoppers have affirmed the apple as a proven winner for retailers, and will be rushing for more this season, according to the release.

“SweeTango is an apple that sells itself,” Shelby Miller of Applewood Fresh said in the release. “It hits all 5 senses, from premium taste to strong shelf appeal, it is that consistency consumers look forward to year after year.”

Kaari Stannard of New York’s Yes! Apples shares her insight.

“Especially now that school’s back in session, SweeTangos are in high demand as the perfect snack for kid’s lunches,” Stannard said in the release. “Parents always come back for more because their kids actually finish them. Everyone will be filling their carts with crisp, sweet, and zesty, so stock up to keep customers smiling.”

According to growers, they will start shipping from across the country shortly after Labor Day. There’s no better time to supply shoppers with their favorite — in tandem with the brand’s coordinated, coast-to-coast marketing and sales support, according to the release.

SweeTango’s top priority is to reach new consumers with in-store activations.

“Our season is starting earlier and sticking around longer, and we’ve been growing to match that demand. We are here to help retail create excitement around SweeTango to drive sales and build customer loyalty,” Brian Coates, Applewood Fresh’s vice president, said in the release.

To alert long-time fans that SweeTangos are back in the market, while also creating awareness among new fans, the brand invests in digital video advertisements geo-targeted to SweeTango retailers’ markets. A store locator on the brand’s website, SweeTango.com, helps consumers find SweeTango retailers near them.

SweeTango boasts a strong social media presence across platforms, which the brand uses to activate its loyal fanbase. Efforts are aligned to activate a wider range audience, including Millennial and Gen Z consumers who love consistent and exceptional apples, and are known to remain dedicated to brands they believe in, according to the release.

“We’re excited about our new packaging design that will absolutely engage shoppers. Our range of package options meets any of your store’s needs for both conventional and organic apples,” Jen Miller, Next Big Thing’s executive director, said in the release

“Even more exciting, we’ll be launching a new packaging-focused social campaign this season to promote engagement with our brand in stores, making sure that all SweeTango fans stay in-the-know about where to find and buy their favorite apple. That means your stores can anticipate more demand than ever.”

The Next Big Thing’s 50 family growers grow the variety in five time zones from Nova Scotia to Washington state. The co-op licenses, grows and markets premium and managed varieties of apples, beginning with SweeTango.