YAKIMA, WASH. - After increased volume of Cosmic Crisp apples this season, the variety will be around for a little while longer. To celebrate, the brand is launching new recipes, a retail promotion and a hot air balloon tour. 

In the coming weeks, Cosmic Crisp apples will be promoted at a large regional retail chain with over 250 stores. Signage will direct shoppers to the Cosmic Crisp website to see a full menu of summer dishes. Recipes include a plant-based apple burger, a red, white and blue potato salad, and an apple and cherry pie recipe developed by best-selling author of the Book on Pie, Erin McDowell.  

Consumers will have a chance to win McDowell’s cookbook through Cosmic Crisp's social media channels. The brand will also appear in June's outdoor entertaining themed issue of Real Simple Magazine. And after a pandemic postponement, a full-sized and custom-shaped Cosmic Crisp hot air balloon will make its debut in multiple festivals across the United States. 

"It took over 20 years of classic breeding, research and development through Washington State University to perfect the Cosmic Crisp apple. And it's only been on retail shelves for a total of 12 months," said Kathryn Grandy, chief marketing officer for proprietary variety management. "Our strong performance in the category is a testament to consumer reception of this new apple. With higher volumes and additional secondary products coming, the Cosmic Crisp will continue to differentiate the retailers that merchandise and promote the brand.” 

As recently reported by Superfresh Growers, the Cosmic Crisp apple has had strong sales numbers since its debut. The brand brought in $4.5 million in sales during April and placed Cosmic Crisp at #11 out of the top 20 brands and varieties last month.  

"We are thrilled to have another great month of Cosmic Crisp supply, and fresh ways to enjoy just in time as many of us look forward to safely hosting gatherings again," said Grandy. "It is the ideal time to promote the brand while the last of these beauties are on the market."