Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (OSF) recently presented its new genetically modified variety - the Arctic - to the foodservice industry at the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) recent Foodservice Show in Monterey, California.

The company is proving itself to be a pioneer in the apple industry with the development of the new variety that features an especially unique trait - it won't brown.

“It was exciting for us to exhibit at the PMA Foodservice show for the first time," said J.F. Gamelin, director of sales for OSF. 

“Arctic apples’ nonbrowning trait offers a key benefit to the foodservice industry - including less prep, less waste and better taste.”

Developed through bioengineering, the variety helps reduce unnecessary food waste across the supply chain, commented the company.

It explained this is thanks to their 28-day shelf life, compared to the 18-21 day industry average.

Additionally, OSF said Arctic apples maintain their orchard-fresh taste longer. In this way, the company claimed they offer an unparalleled “just-picked” eating experience.

Of course, their non-browning property make them an attractive feature in dishes ranging from fruit trays to charcuterie, it added.

“For the first time, this year’s anticipated Arctic apple crop volume will support expanding into foodservice,” explained Neal Carter, OSF president.

“We’ve been extremely busy planting in the orchards. We expect to have an estimated eight million pounds of Arctic apples for the 2019-2020 season and plan to continue to increase availability in coming years.”

The company said it plans to make freshly sliced Arctic apples available in 40 oz. bags. This packaging would extend to both Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny varieties.

It also plans to release 100 count cases of 2 oz. packages. OSF said it expects to continue the expansion of retail availability of Arctic apples this fall.