Pick n Pay Introduces Locally Grown Sassy™ Apples, a New Flavor Sensation for South African Shoppers
South African apple enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as Pick n Pay becomes the first retailer to launch locally grown Sassy™ apples, a vibrant new variety originally developed in New Zealand. Known for their striking deep red color, bold sweetness, and a signature tangy zing, these apples are now being cultivated in the fertile Ceres Valley.
The Sassy™ apple boasts a distinctive flavor profile—sweet with a perfect hint of tartness—and a satisfying crunch that lasts from the first bite to the last. “This apple is a game-changer for anyone who loves a crisp, juicy apple with a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness,” said Rebecca Fifield, a food technologist at Pick n Pay.
Apples remain a customer favorite, and Pick n Pay stocks all 11 major apple cultivars due to their popularity and status as a dietary staple. “Top red apples are our best-sellers, but it’s always exciting to introduce something new. We can’t wait for customers to try the Sassy™ apple,” Fifield added.
Pick n Pay has consistently been at the forefront of partnering with local producers to bring innovative fruit varieties to South African consumers. In 2022, the retailer launched caviar limes, which sold out within days and even prompted waiting lists at some stores. Last year, Dekopon mandarins—a large, ultra-sweet mandarin highly sought after globally—were also introduced, grown locally for the South African market.
The retailer was also the first to bring blood oranges to South Africa, initially importing them before switching to locally grown produce. Additionally, Pick n Pay introduced Valentine oranges, a pink-fleshed citrus available from July to September.
The launch of the Sassy™ apple represents another milestone in Pick n Pay’s commitment to innovation. “These partnerships enable us to bring popular international fruit varieties to South African shelves, offering customers exciting new choices while supporting local growers—a top priority for us,” Fifield explained.
Initially, the supply of Sassy™ apples will be limited as the orchard is still developing. “The orchard is very young, and the supplier didn’t expect much fruit this year, but the trees have surprised everyone. We were offered the apples and immediately seized the opportunity, as we’ve wanted to introduce the Sassy™ variety to our customers for a long time. The volume will increase annually as the trees mature and more plantings are completed,” Fifield noted.
This week, a limited quantity of Sassy™ apples will be available at four Pick n Pay stores: Constantia and Plattekloof in Cape Town, and On Nicol and Douglasdale in Johannesburg. To mark the launch, the stores will host in-store tastings this Saturday, giving customers a chance to experience the unique flavor of this exciting new apple variety.
With its bold taste and crisp texture, the Sassy™ apple is set to become a standout addition to South Africa’s fruit market, further cementing Pick n Pay’s reputation as a pioneer in bringing innovative and locally sourced produce to consumers.
