New Kiku Apple Is “So Sweet”

A new variety is about to hit the U.S. market that’s sure to become a fast staple in sweet apple lovers fruit bowls. The Kiku apple, a Fuji sport, is being introduced to the American marketplace by Columbia Marketing International (CMI).

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Applewood Orchards Inc. in Deerfield, MI, received a sublicense to grow the Kiku this past April, joining Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA, along with Columbia Fruit Packers Inc.

“We’ve had the apple here in test plantings, we’ve been watching it for the last several years, and we’re very impressed with it,” says Rice Fruit Company president John Rice. “It’s an apple I think will do very well in this particular area in terms of our climate and such.”

Rice says he’s always been successful with Fuji varieties, producing extremely sweet apples, and he was surprised to find the Kiku is even sweeter. “We think it won’t take very long for it to get established because it’s a type of apple that Americans are becoming increasingly attached to, Rice says. In our experience, the sweeter the apple, the better. This is probably the sweetest apple we’ve come across yet.”

Rice says he’s impressed with the Kiku’s coloration, too. It’s a striped variety, which he compares to a well-colored Gala.They’ve been attractively striped all around, he says.

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CMI, which is marketing the variety, will also be enforcing strict quality standards for the Kiku. It will have to maintain a mostly red coloration and have a minimum sugar content, 16 brix, significantly higher than other apples.

The Marketing

CMI is developing the marketing plan for the Kiku, which is currently being marketed in Europe. The logo is colorful, featuring a distinctive blue color on the label and box. Much like they’ve done with the Pink Lady, we would adopt a universal logo for it, and the packaging would match that, and then it would be identifiable to consumers, Rice says.

Scott Swindeman, vice president of Applewood Orchards, which also will be growing the Kiku, says consumers have been expressing interest in Kiku for quite some time. Dr. Jurgen Braun and his brother Thomas have been promoting worldwide the apple their father Luis discovered in 1990, he says. A market owner here in Michigan contacted Kiku Europe long before the apple became available in the U.S. asking for information on the program.

CMI will promote Kiku’s initial release using the Fresh Apple Emotion campaign used in Europe, Swindeman says. As production increases in Washington State, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and possibly other states, the marketing effort will be led and coordinated by CMI, while incorporating the sales and marketing of Rice Fruit Co. and Applewood Orchards, Inc. This will be enhanced by a coordinated effort, again by CMI, to introduce southern hemisphere countries to supply nearly year-round Kiku.

Very few will see Kiku at retail this year, Swindeman adds. Columbia Fruit Packers, Inc. has the biggest Kiku production currently, and it will be a couple of years before Pennsylvania and Michigan will be producing it.

In markets unfamiliar with Kiku, we hope to provide an attractive package, exceptional eating experience, and a story behind the effort to sustain its horticulture, packaging, and marketing practices, Swindeman says.

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Avatar for Helen Hannah Helen Hannah says:

My local grocery store has the Kiku apple on sale this week. I am interested in tasting this apple. I will purchase a few and let you know what I think. I love a sweet and crisp apple. I am always looking to satisfy that craving in an apple.

Avatar for Carol Carol says:

1-17-2012 I found my kikus at the Safeway store in Anacortes, WA. I love trying new apple varieties, so it was a real treat to find these. What a taste treat! Sweet, crunchy, juicy with a hint of tartness. The sign above them said they will be available for only a limited time. What a shame. At least I hope to see them again about this time next year.

Avatar for Juan Juan says:

Wow – that is a great apple. Picked them up at a local store here in Austin, Texas. I had never heard of this variety, but they were large good-looking apples at a great price. Tried a couple, and we're hooked. It's crack for apple eaters. Going to go back and get a lot more, and try using them as baked apples, pie, and in a strudel. Don't pass up the chance to try one – juicy, sweet, firm. Back to the store….

Avatar for aaa aaa says:

Bought some at Whole Foods. Excellent!!!!

Avatar for Roberta Roberta says:

Bought the apples in Clearwater, FL. I didn't even realize I was buying a new brand until I ate one. They're amazing! The juicyist apple I have ever had. I hope the US will produce them.

Avatar for RENAE LORENTI RENAE LORENTI says:

I NOTICED THIS NEW LOOKING TYPE OF APPLES IN A BASKET AT MY GROCERY STORE IN JUPITER, FLA. THEY LOOKED BEAUTIFUL AND SO RED. I SANK MY TEETH IN THIS JUICE, CRUNCHY, CRISP AND ULTRA SWEET APPLE. I COULDNT BELIEVE THE TASTE! IT WAS NOTHING I EVER HAD IN A APPLE. IT WAS SO SWEET AND DELICIOUS! I HAD TO GIVE ON ETO MY ELDERLY DAD WHO WAS ABLE TO EAT IT AND LOVED IT SO MUCH. WE PICKED APPLES WHEN I WAS YOUND IN VERMONT ALL THE TIME, SO WE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPLES, I MUST SAY THIS KIKU TOPS ANYTHING WE EVER HAD. I WENT BACK TO THE GROCERY STORE TODAY TO BUY MORE!

Avatar for Connie Connie says:

Feb. 1, 2013 I was in Market of Choice in Corvallis, Or. yesterday and picked up this new apple. I am always trying new ones. It is very crispy, sweet and juicy. I found the skin a little tough but will buy more if given the chance.

Avatar for Rayt Rayt says:

Excellent. Best apple ever. Just finished my first one with some cheese and crackers for our Sunday evening sank.

Avatar for Brenda Brenda says:

OMG! JUST PICKED ONE UP TWO DAYS AGO IN SALEM OR. ROTHS IGA. KINDA SPENDY. BUT MY NEW FAVORITE….SORRY PINK LADY!

Avatar for Vickie Cooper Vickie Cooper says:

The Kiku apple is the sweetest and most delicious apple we have ever tasted! How are these grown organically without the need for chemicals or pesticides?

Avatar for Paula Carr Paula Carr says:

DELICIOUS. Bought at Publix in Winter Springs, Fl. was iffy because it was a little pricey…worth every penny.

Avatar for Gene Valentine Gene Valentine says:

Fabulious taste,,,rich, vibrant and juicy.

Avatar for Marla Marla says:

Are they seasonal

Avatar for Mackenzie Mackenzie says:

What fruits aren’t?

Avatar for lily m lily m says:

bananas are not seasonal….alwayd available

Avatar for Pat Shields Pat Shields says:

FRIST TASTE TODAY SWEET AND GOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Avatar for  Angela Angela says:

My farm fresh apples from Valicoff won't be delivered until Saturday, so I had to go with a store purchase. My husband brought these home today because the QFC in Issaquah was out of Gala and Braeburn apples – this was so great. I was glad to try something new that was so tasty and crunchy. Now I am going to see if a local farm is going to grow these in Wa.

Avatar for Ryan Ryan says:

we carried a small display of these in my produce department in NEPA.. hope we get more they're delicious.

Avatar for Wendy Wendy says:

This is the best apple ever, found it in the grocery store in Fargo, ND

Avatar for Doreen Doreen says:

Just had my first one and loved it! Can they be used for pie?

Avatar for JZ JZ says:

Yes, they are great in pies but you want to add another variety or two like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jazz to give the pie a fantastic taste

Avatar for BP BP says:

This is very sweet apple with a crisp bite. I work in produce for a retail superstore. We were shipped 3 cases. It was a wonderful experience for us and our customers to try this unique apple. We hope to get some more in the future because they sold really fast.

Avatar for Deeni Deeni says:

I was a bit apprehensive when I was checking for sale prices on my favorite sweet apples at Stop&Shop in New Haven, CT. The people in produce couldn’t tell me anything about the apple, so googled it and found it was said to be the sweetest of apples. It’s a delicious, sweet, firm apple with a beautiful juicy and white pulp. Kiku is my new favorite apple!

Avatar for Shannin Rettig Shannin Rettig says:

I am an apple snob and typically only like a few varieties. I and grabbed a few Kiku apples at my local Whole Foods in Colorado. Wow – super great apple. Loved the flavor and crispness. I will be going back today to get more!!

Avatar for Samuel Rowe Samuel Rowe says:

I work at an apple packhouse named Apollo Apples here in New Zealand. I know that we export most of the apples, so I’m guessing you guys get some of the apples from us. We work on a rotation of apple packing, so Kiku will be coming by April.

Avatar for Dianne Dianne says:

Found my kikus at Kroger in Marietta GA. They are so sweet and crunchy…by far the best apply I have ever eaten. The last ones I bought were huge, a little pricey, but well worth the $8.82 I spent for 4 apples. There were none in the store last week, so I’m hoping Samuel from New Zealand is correct, and the Kikus will be back in the stores this month.

Avatar for Heather Heather says:

I just tried this apple this week and it is DELICIOUS!!!! So glad to have come across it.

Avatar for Jim Jim says:

Reluctantly tried these apples, due to the fact my favorite apple(Honeycrisp) are becoming more and more scarce. I am very particular about the apples I will eat. My wife brought some Kiku’s home from the grocery store, sliced one up and offered me a slice, Like a spoiled child, arms crossed across my chest, I looked down my nose at this piece of apple knowing I was sure to be disappointed, But I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I forced myself to take a slice. After smelling it and feeling the texture (like a wine connoisseur) I nibbled a bite off the slice and could not believe the flavor and sweetness, I took a bigger bite to ensure I wasn’t mistaken, and I wasn’t These apples are VERY good, Firm, not mushy and just the right combination of tart and sweetness. I am very excited to have found a substitute for my Honeycrisp apples (when they are not available).

Avatar for K. M. Beaudry K. M. Beaudry says:

Had this apple for the first time in Alaska. Along with being sweet and juicy it is crisp. Best apple ever! I was a Pink Lady fan til now. Can’t wait for it to arrive in VA.

Avatar for jamie jamie says:

we were able to buy this wonderful apple at a Walmart in Culpeper,va for a couple of months, then they quit selling them. Why is that?

I love those apples,The sweetest and best apple I have ever ate.I would like to know when and where i can get them.I would even order them If at all possible.I live In Ypsilanti, Mich.Please let me know!!!!

Avatar for Susan Susan says:

Would love to know where I can get these in the Atlanta area! I had them in TX & they are the best apple I have ever eaten!

Avatar for Elaine licht Elaine licht says:

Need to know where we can get them . Live in Long Island New York

Avatar for lily m lily m says:

I got mine today and Stop & Shop in Hampton Bays New York

Avatar for Jorja Jorja says:

Sweetest apple — and so crispy! I love them!

Avatar for Alice Banks Alice Banks says:

I discovered the Kiku Apple just a couple of weeks ago in Market Street in McKinney Texas. Without a doubt this is the best and sweetest Apple I have ever eaten. I will keep a supply in my refrigerator as long as I can purchase them in this area. Top of the apple line for me. Alice

Avatar for Carolyn Carolyn says:

I just tasted the Kiku apple from a Giant Eagle store in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s wonderful! I find most apples are too tart for my taste. It was a large apple and I found myself wanting another. Our church is putting in an edible forest on the property. It just so happens that I am in the process of writing orders for apples, pears, nectarines, plums, cherries, and five different nut trees. This Kiku apple needs to be included. How is it to grow and is it resistant to the apple diseases? Where can I buy a couple of these trees?

Avatar for Carolyn Simmonds Carolyn Simmonds says:

I didn’t get a chance to finish the details found below.

Fabulous apple, sweet, crisp, and always a “I want more” remark!

Avatar for Jeana Chastain Jeana Chastain says:

My husband & I love this apple. We would like to plant a tree in our orchard, but we are unable to find a grower that is selling…

Avatar for margo margo says:

I was just in Brookhaven Mississippi and I stopped by this little produce place called Brookway Market Basket. They have them and you are all right. Best Apple ever….

Avatar for Ben dario Ben dario says:

where can i buy a 5 – 7 foot kiku apple tree

Avatar for Markell Lee Markell Lee says:

I bought three of these kiku (fuji) apples from my neighbor hood wally world yesterday here in North Las Vegas…..omg!!! These Apples are truly the best i have ever tasted hands down….super juicy, sweet and crisp

Avatar for Jeane Jeane says:

Love these apples. Want to add this variety to my orchard, but can’t find where I can buy ine

Avatar for Michael Reed Michael Reed says:

Nice 🙂

Avatar for Janice Janice says:

Bought the Kiku apples at SAMs wholesale and it is the sweetest Apple I have ever had I am not an apple eater but this one has changed my mind

Avatar for Robert L. Parker Robert L. Parker says:

The apple is very firm, sweet and is great chilled. I have been involved with produce for over forty years and find it to be one of the best apples I have ever eaten. The only set back is that the store I purchased it at did not have enough in stock so that I could get more when I returned to purchase them.

Avatar for Donald K Buxton Donald K Buxton says:

I am always looking for the very best Apple to make pie this Apple truly exceeded my expectations
normally I choose Winesap for its distinctive flavor and crispness but the Kiku was amazingfir my Christmas Pie

Avatar for Nancy Nancy says:

I bought the apple at publix going back for more.

Avatar for Dar Dar says:

Bought at Sam’s Club yesterday (limited time only). If you like a sweet, crisp and juicy apple, this one’s for you.

Avatar for Typoclerk Typoclerk says:

Just purchased a single Kiku from a local grocer. Wow! It is the largest Apple I have ever seen. It is the size of a grapefruit… I’m not kidding.

I’m slicing thin slices with a sharp knife. This is how I prefer to eat an apple and I have to say the skin quality, sugar content and firm yet juicy texture is the finest I’ve come across. The flavor is close to but not quite as good as the Honeycrisp.

Typically I buy the Gala or Pink Lady and I find these varieties to be satisfactory. But this Kiku is something special. A true gourmet delight. You have to try these…

Avatar for Kathy Beasley Kathy Beasley says:

I was able to purchase Kiku apples all winter at Sam’s club and love them!!! Now I can’t find them anywhere!

Avatar for Betsy Betsy says:

I live in NJ, last year I was able to get KIKU apples in my Stop&Shop in Watchung Square Mall, they were absolutely fabulous,!!! I always buy Fuji’s, but now I want KIKU’s, when can I get them again !!!????

Avatar for Michael chua Michael chua says:

I ate this Apple last yr and it’s better than Fuiji ( I pick Fuiji Apple upstate NY everyyr) I live at NY city our family only like Fuiji Apple since last time I tried Kiku i love it more and I found Rice fruit orchard have this products I wonder any chance when we can pick at the season as I cannot find this at our retailer stores I don’t mind Travel to pick if have chance.

Avatar for Aubree Aubree says:

How can I get a tree

Avatar for Cathy Cathy says:

Found at Walmart! They are delicious!

Avatar for Maria Burke Maria Burke says:

I found them at Albertsons in California, best apples I ever eat

Avatar for Rachel Pearson Rachel Pearson says:

Same here. Albertsons in CA

Avatar for Mary Rice Mary Rice says:

Absolutely delicious. Had my first Kiku apple today. Very sweet and juicy.

Avatar for Ronda Kroth, Ronda Kroth, says:

Awesome one isn’t enough

Avatar for Dennis Dennis says:

my wife and i look for these apples specifically they are the best , our dogs even love them

Avatar for DONNA DONNA says:

IS THE KIKU APPLE GOOD FOR BAKING PIES

Avatar for Bay Bay says:

Kiku apple, sweet, juicy, very satisfying.

Avatar for Person Person says:

Kiku forever!!!!

Avatar for Yvette Hirsch Yvette Hirsch says:

Can I buy a sample tree for a backyard?

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