Mansfields is celebrating the first British-grown season of Sassy apples, marking an exciting milestone for the business and the UK apple category.
As the exclusive British grower of Sassy, Mansfields has introduced the distinctive apple variety to its orchards in Kent for the first time, following its established success in New Zealand and other growing regions around the world.
Known for its striking jewel-red appearance, crisp texture and sweet-tangy flavour, Sassy offers consumers something new and distinctive within the British apple category. Developed in New Zealand, the variety combines the heritage of Fuji, Sciros and Scifresh, bringing together colour, flavour and eating quality in a single apple.
Sassy is an early-ripening variety that develops its bold red colour even in warmer growing conditions. It has been bred to deliver a sweet, crisp bite while maintaining its quality beyond harvest. The variety is already grown commercially in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Asia, with Mansfields now exclusively producing the apple in the UK.
The first commercial British crop has now been harvested from Mansfields’ Kent orchards, marking the beginning of the company’s long-term plans for the variety. Production is already set to increase, with greater volumes expected next season.
Beyond its strong agronomic credentials, Sassy's attitude-forward branding brings real vibrancy to the category; bold visuals and fashion-led creative that have caught shoppers' attention, even earning Sassy a spot in British Vogue as this season's 'must-have edible accessory’.
James Miller, Managing Director at Mansfields, said:
“Bringing Sassy to British orchards for the first time is a significant milestone for Mansfields and an exciting addition to the UK’s fresh produce offering. This first crop gives consumers a taste of what’s to come and, with increased production planned for next season, we’re looking forward to building Sassy into an important part of our British-grown apple range.
“As customer and retailer demand continues to evolve, investing in new and innovative varieties is essential to maintaining a vibrant and competitive British fruit sector. Sassy offers something genuinely different, and we’re excited about its future.”
With its first British season now underway, Mansfields sees significant opportunities for Sassy as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, category growth and the future of British fruit growing. The business continues to invest in new varieties that deliver exceptional taste, quality and value for retailers and consumers.