Honeybear Marketing, LLC BB #:289661 plans to offer limited volume of its new Honey Moon apple this winter.
During the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Expo, VP of sales and marketing Don Roper, said the apple is in year three of five in its go-to-market plan, which means some commercial volumes will ship this winter to select customers.
The Honey Moon apple is open-pollinated cross with Honeycrisp, he said, with the other parent likely honey gold, considering the apple’s yellow skin and milder flavor compared to Honeycrisp.
Roper said Honey Moon’s flavor improves after being in storage, so the company plans to offer it as a winter variety, even after supplies grow exponentially.
He said Honeybear also sells the Pazazz premium variety, which has expanded production this year.
On the packaging side, Honeybear plans to offer a cardboard-based four-pack for Honey Moon, and a larger, 3-pound cardboard box for organic varieties starting in early 2024.
Roper said it’s a response to retail demand for more sustainable packaging and company goals to move away from plastic.
He also said Honeybear plans to expand its volume this season through a marketing agreement with Elite Apple Co LLC, BB #:354738 Sparta, MI.
