Strong crop outlook projected for SnapDragon apples

Newark, NY – [October 6, 2026] – SnapDragon apples are entering the 2026 season on the heels of last season’s 18 percent sales growth, one of the variety’s largest crops to date, nationwide availability and an expanding grower network giving Crunch Time Apple Growers more opportunity to build the variety at retail.

Harvest is in progress across New York, with fruit sizing well and showing excellent color. Favorable growing conditions, including rainfall and seasonal temperature changes, have helped develop the spicy-sweet flavor and signature Monster Crunch shoppers have come to expect from SnapDragon. Crunch Time has also improved its packing process to best preserve freshness and crispness.

“SnapDragon has become a fan favorite, and it’s exciting to see how much people have come to love this apple,” said Jessica Wells, Executive Director of Crunch Time Apple Growers. “SnapDragon has earned its place, and we believe it’s time to give it more room to grow, both on the retail shelf and in the conversations we’re having with our customers.”

That growth will also be on display at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, where SnapDragon will have its own dedicated booth. At Booth 2065, Crunch Time Apple Growers will invite attendees to choose their own adventure with a space featuring a surfboard, bike and hammock. Retailers and industry partners can sample the new crop with a selection of dipping sauces and keep an eye out for Snappy, the SnapDragon mascot, throughout the show.

“IFPA is an important opportunity to connect with retail partners, sales organizations and customers face-to-face,” Wells said. “This year, we wanted to give SnapDragon the space it deserves. It’s an apple people recognize and come back to, and having more room to showcase it gives us a chance to tell its story and introduce it to even more people so they see what makes SnapDragon different. We know once they take a bite, they’ll understand why it belongs in their shoppers’ carts.”

SnapDragon is available now. Crunch Time continues to expand its grower network with emerging plantings in Pennsylvania and direct-market growers throughout the country, bringing the variety closer to key markets across the country.

“We know retailers want more than a great apple. They want confidence in the supply, consistency in the eating experience and a brand that shoppers recognize and come back for,” Wells said. “That’s what we’re working to deliver with SnapDragon, and this season is a strong step forward.”

For more information, visit SnapDragonApple.com

About SnapDragon & Crunch Time Apple Growers
When you bite into a Crunch Time apple, you’re not just tasting an incredible apple, but the incredible love and labor of over 160 family farmers across New York State. Every Crunch Time apple is non-GMO, super crunchy, delightfully juicy, beautifully colored and carefully grown. When you purchase a Crunch Time apple, you’re helping to sustain the future of family farming for generations to come. For more information, please visit CrunchTimeAppleGrowers.com, SnapDragonApple.com or RubyFrostApple.com.