Erin Jean McDowell visits Washington State University Bread Lab to explore the science of baking—and shares her signature apple crumb pie made with Cosmic Crisp® apples.
Watch the full episode HERE.
Check out this article in the Good Fruit Grower by Lynnell Brandt, president of Proprietary Variety Management—the group behind the Cosmic Crisp program—and Jeremy Tamsen, director of commercialization at Washington State University. They explore how Cosmic Crisp production is scaling worldwide, driving brand awareness and growing demand across diverse markets.
Read the full article from the October issue of the Good Fruit Grower HERE
The PVM Quality Team works closely with licensed Cosmic Crisp® packers and when we see a company that takes quality seriously, we want to share their example with the industry. We recently visited the packing facilities of Allan Bros., Inc., a 100-year-old tree fruit company based in Naches, Washington, USA and talked with Tony Garcia, the Director of Operations.
We asked Garcia why focusing on quality over quantity makes good business sense. He said, “Club varieties really have a leg up in this area of the business. When a brand consistently delivers high quality produce, and even exceeds the consumer’s expectations, then consumers and retailers pay attention. They are more motivated to purchase that brand again. So maintaining high quality is critical for us and our sales partner in getting repeat purchases and sustaining maximum revenue over the long-term.”
The focus on quality at Allan Bros. is seen throughout their entire operation. Monitors located all along the production line display a dashboard with their key QC metrics. “We have around 8 different inspection points throughout the receiving, packing, and shipping process combined,” explained Garcia. “And we have been investing in new technology to automate our sorting and grading processes. For example, in 2019, we upgraded our hybrid line and recently added AI capabilities to further increase accuracy and improve defect sorting.” The current system uses LUCAi™, which combines digital imaging systems with deep learning models and can automatically detect and classify defects in real-time.
Garcia also highlighted the benefits of their collaboration with PVM’s Quality Team. “The on-site packout visits, reference materials for brand quality standards, and comparison reports from across the industry that PVM provides, all of this help us with our end goal of finding ways to improve the quality and return for our growers.”
We encourage all licensed packers to reach out to our Quality Team to find out what they can do to improve and maintain high quality packouts. When everyone in the industry works to improve quality, then consumers purchase more, sales desks get higher prices, growers see better returns, and everyone in the value chain benefits.
All photos courtesy of Allan Bros., Inc.
Summer heat waves can dull the vibrant red color that makes Cosmic Crisp® apples so appealing—and profitable. A recent study, by Washington State University, highlights how microclimate management, especially fogging, helps preserve red pigmentation even during extreme temperatures.
Read the full list of findings and recommendations HERE.
To celebrate the 249th anniversary of United States Independence, the U.S. Embassy in Chile hosted an event themed around space cooperation, where San Clemente Fruits presented Cosmic Crisp® apples, a variety developed by Washington State University. The invitation marked a milestone in San Clemente’s ongoing partnership with U.S. producers and highlighted their leadership in Chile’s premium apple market.
Read the full article from the 22 July E-edition of Fresh Plaza HERE
YAKIMA, WA – Cosmic Crisp® is expanding its retail presence with the launch of a new dessert pastry product, created in partnership with Dunford® Brand. Known for its full lineup of donuts and breads, Dunford® is the first retail brand to introduce a Cosmic Crisp® apple dessert. This sweet addition to both brands’ product portfolios was celebrated with a special Valentine’s Day promotion.
The “Sweets for My Sweetheart” giveaway ran across both brands’ social media channels and was promoted in Salt Lake City, Utah—the first target market where the product is regionally available. Garnering over 350,000 impressions in its short timeframe, the promotion boosted social media followings for both Cosmic Crisp® and Dunford® Pastry and significantly built awareness for the new product.
“The signature sweet and tart flavor of the Cosmic Crisp® apple pairs perfectly with Dunford® Pastry’s delicate, flaky crust,” said Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer for Proprietary Variety Management, the company that markets the Cosmic Crisp® brand. “It’s the perfect indulgence for everyday moments and a great example of how Cosmic Crisp® apples serve as a star ingredient in a wide range of retail products.”
To read the full story, view this link: https://www.andnowuknow.com/bloom/cosmic-crispr-partners-dunfordr-pastry-launch-simple-indulgence-everyday/anuk-staff/96367
