Members of the Next Big Thing Growers’ Cooperative estimate that the 2019 crop of SweeTango apples will be of excellent quality with a range of sizes and abundant conventional and organic availability.

SweeTango is an early-season variety anticipated by consumers each fall, with harvest slated to begin late August. The western region of the U.S. begins harvest first, with midwestern U.S., eastern U.S., and eastern Canada regions picking shortly thereafter. One of the first premium varieties to reach markets each fall, SweeTango’s peak season is from September through November. Annual Nielsen scan data consistently ranks it as a best-selling club variety that frequently enjoys a position in the top 10 of all apples sold during September through November.

Estimates point to a volume slightly larger than 2018 as well as the five-year average, with the organic crop yield continuing to increase year over year. Roger Pepperl, marketing director at Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, WA, said, “We’re looking forward to a nice organic SweeTango crop this season, with picking and packing starting late in August so shoppers should see them in stores by September 1.”

“Overall fruit quality will be excellent, with SweeTango exhibiting its signature crunchy texture, sweet-tart flavor, smooth finish, and beautiful red coloring,” said Jennifer Parkhill, executive director of Next Big Thing. “Minimal weather events have been reported from growing regions to date, although a wetter-than-normal spring in some areas could result in minor russeting. A range of fruit sizes will be available to support strong early-season bulk and bagged apple sales. The popular high-graphic two-pound SweeTango pouches will again be offered this season.”

A high-impact consumer marketing campaign will drive consumers to stores with SweeTango on their shopping lists, and many retailers have on-ad promotions already in place for the early fall. Retailers are encouraged to place orders now with their regional sales representative at sweetango.com.