New pink apple variety in South Africa is creating a lot of excitement
The South African fruit industry is thrilled about the introduction of Ruby Mathilda, a new apple variety that has become part of the Pink Lady brand family.
Ruby Mathilda, recognized for its attractive blush-pink color and balanced taste, is quickly gaining attention as a promising new variety in local apple orchards, with growers hopeful about its market success.
The evolution of fruit branding over the years has shifted from country-of-origin labelling to building distinct brands within specific categories, writes Fruitnet.
In South Africa, the Pink Lady brand — originating from the Cripps Pink variety — has become a cornerstone of this strategy. It now includes successful cultivars such as Rosy Glow and Lady in Red, with Ruby Mathilda poised to be the next big hit.
“Now the buzz is all about Ruby Mathilda,” said Calla du Toit, chairman of Pink Lady South Africa.
The new apple variety is a special mutation of Cripps Pink, featuring a blushed pink colour instead of red.
“Its flavour profile delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, appealing to the taste preferences of European and UK consumers,” he added.
“I anticipate that Ruby Mathilda or Lady in Red will replace many Cripps Pink orchards.”
Flash Gala and ClemenGold: Local success stories
The success of Ruby Mathilda comes at a time when South Africa’s growers are actively building strong brands across various fruit sectors.
Recently, Big Bucks, a red Gala variety with full South African ownership, emerged as the fastest-growing apple variety in the country.
It is now marketed under the Flash Gala brand, which has quickly gained popularity and made a significant impact in eastern markets.
Similarly, the local citrus industry has found global recognition with the ClemenGold mandarin brand, and other citrus varieties are now following suit with similar branding efforts.
Japan looks to South Africa to cultivate its late-ripening yellow apple
In related news, a major food distributor has sought a South African partner to trial Southern Hemisphere-production of a special Japanese-bred apple.
The Kimito apple, a new yellow apple variety developed by Japan’s Hirosaki University, will soon be grown in South Africa thanks to a partnership with Wismettac Foods.
First registered in 2016, this late-ripening apple is known for its excellent storage properties as well as being light on labour.
According to the university, Kimito apples have a white flesh and a refreshing sweetness, and its core is more watery than the more typical yellow-skinned apple varieties. Read more on that story here.