ELGIN, MN - Early-season apple sales are yours for the taking, retailers—especially with Honeybear Brands as a partner. The grower’s Minnesota-grown First Kiss apples will soon be hitting retail shelves, continuing to prove their position as a consumer favorite.

“As with any new variety, it takes a while to increase volume. We’re excited to see a much larger supply of First Kiss this season. While it sells out every year, we’re hopeful that more apples mean more shoppers get to enjoy this tasty variety,” says Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “It will be available August 28, providing retailers with an opportunity to kick off fresh apple season and drive sales a few weeks earlier than some of the other key varieties.”

The tangy First Kiss apple was developed through the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program and is a result of crossing Honeycrisp with an early-ripening apple (AA-44). The variety has the juicy full flavor of a Honeycrisp with a refreshing tartness, according to a press release.

The branding for this variety has a '70s playful vibe, reminiscent of a more carefree era. Anyone would argue that those bright pink boxes with smacking red lips make an impressive and inviting display in the produce department.

“We took the opportunity to have some fun with this brand,” said Kristi Harris, Brand Manager, explaining how much potential this variety holds in the apple category. “Perhaps it triggers a fond memory of a first kiss or a coming-of-age story that everybody can relate to.”

It might be your first kiss with this apple variety, but it certainly won’t be your last.

Honeybear Brands