The Pacific Rose apple variety has seen growing retail interest in the U.S. during the winter season, with consumers intrigued by the fruit's sweetness and crunch, according to Oppy executive category director for apples and pears, David Nelley.

The apple is originally from New Zealand and is now also grown in Washington State.

In January a U.S. retailer saw sales of the fruit increase nearly 250% year-on-year by promoting Pacific Rose as its apple of the month. The variety set a new record for digital apple coupon downloads and redemptions.

In an attempt to better understand what consumers and foodies like about the apple, Oppy launched a focus group this winter to research the subject.

"The response has been fascinating. U.S.-grown Pacific Rose has been in the market for 15 years and has sparked demand for the Gala/Splendor varieties in Asian markets.

"Within North America it's been sometimes overshadowed by apples with more intense flavors and hype, but we're discovering there is a loyal following as people love the sweetness and understated aspects of the Pacific Rose.

"We're excited to find that the apple's sweetness and crunch are behind the increase in total dollars from same period last year on the domestic market," he said.

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