CHELAN, WA - Retailers are gearing up for skyrocketing apple sales as the beloved Rockit™ brand continues to capitalize on the high-demand, on-the-go snacking category. With distinctive qualities elevating this premium apple variety, now is the time to place Rockit front and center in the produce department.

“Rockit apples are naturally miniature in size, yet fully mature in flavor, crunch, and sweetness, making them a unique offering in the fresh apple category,” Julie DeJarnatt, VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Chelan Fresh, shared. “Other apple varieties that are marketed as ‘snack size’ or ‘on the go’ are generally representing fruit from the bottom of the size bell curve that didn’t fully mature with flavor and texture—making them a value offering, but there is a trade off in eating experience. Rockit apples are fully mature and eat great every single time. Consumers can taste the difference, and they are willing to pay a premium for the ‘standout from the crowd’ Rockit apple.”

Fueling the success of the premium variety, Chelan Fresh continues to invest in additional acreage for this high-demand apple, making this crop season its largest to date, with ample supply to support retailers year-round.

“What gets us most excited about this volume is our ability to support large-scale Back to School features with domestically grown Rockit apples,” Julie adds. “This is a key season for retail grocery as kids go to school with packed lunches and after-school activities. Apples with both soluble and insoluble fiber are also known to support gut health and provide quercetin to support mental health, all while being an excellent source of energy and hydration.”

Julie continues, noting some useful strategies for retailers to optimize their merchandising strategies and displays.

“Don’t just think about Rockit apples as another apple variety,” Julie advises. “We inspire healthy snacking across a broad and diverse shopper segment. Our consumer marketing strategy targets consumers who shop all aisles of the grocery store seeking out better-for-you options for healthy starts to their day, snack breaks, after school, or late-night snacking. Our seasonal marketing campaigns paired with unique package designs inspire shoppers to incorporate more apples into their daily schedule—and we have a variety of pack size and styles from the iconic 3 lb Rockit tub, made from 80% rPET, to the 2 lb pouch that is easy to merchandise on angled racks and the 3-4-5 count tubes for the grab-and-go shopper. There is a Rockit for every shopper, including those who prefer organic!”

Already a prominent feature in shoppers’ carts, Rockit is further elevated by the brand’s ongoing partnership with the Special Olympics.

“Rockit apples found a natural chemistry with Special Olympics. Being a small apple taking on a big apple world inspired us to weave the thread of bravery into our brand DNA. From the beginning, we have sought out opportunities to celebrate small and large acts of bravery through our sponsorships, influencer partnerships, and marketing campaigns,” Julie shares. “We have been a global sponsor of the Special Olympics for over three years now. The work they do inspires us daily to encourage respect and inclusivity for people regardless of ability. Their motto of ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,’ hit the core of our brand ethos and the growers behind it.”

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