Okanagan Specialty Fruits introduces non-browning Arctic apple slices

Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) introduced non-browning Arctic apple fresh slices to a receptive foodservice industry at the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) recent Foodservice Show in Monterey, California.

“It was exciting for us to exhibit at the PMA Foodservice show for the first time and to give attendees the opportunity to experience the orchard freshness of Arctic Golden fresh slices,” said J.F. Gamelin, Director of Sales for OSF. “Arctic apples’ non-browning trait offers a key benefit to the food service industry — including less prep, less waste and better taste.” 

Developed through bioengineering, Arctic apples fresh slices help reduce unnecessary food waste across the supply chain with their 28-day shelf life, compared to the 18-21 day industry average. Arctic apples also maintain their orchard-fresh taste longer, offering an unparalleled “just-picked” eating experience, and creating the ability to offer delicious, healthy and appealing menu options featuring fresh-cut apples including fruit trays, fruit salads and charcuterie.  

“For the first time, this year’s anticipated Arctic apple crop volume will support expanding into foodservice,” explains Neal Carter, President of OSF. “We’ve been extremely busy planting in the orchards. We expect to have an estimated 8 million pounds of Arctic apples for the 2019-20 season and plan to continue to increase availability in coming years.” 

The company plans to make  freshly sliced Arctic apples available to foodservice customers in 40-ounce bags of both Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny varieties, along with a 100-count case of 2-ounce packages. OSF expects to continue the expansion of retail availability of Arctic apples this fall.    

OSF is a biotechnology company based in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1996 and acquired by Intrexon Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary in April 2015, OSF specializes in developing tree fruit varieties with novel attributes that benefit fruit producers and consumers.