Grower Information

Sonya apples are grown on 400 acres in Washington State's Yakima Valley, an area similar to the climate in New Zealand where the variety was first developed in 2002. The Verbrugge family of Valley Fruit first found the apple variety in New Zealand with their two partners while looking for a new fruit to bring to market in North America. Initially drawn to its appearance, the Sonya's "taste" and "grower friendliness" are what sold them.

Today, Valley Fruit, Price Cold Storage and Congdon Orchards are the three grower/packer licensees for Sonya in North America. In their carefully managed orchards, the apples are grown with a commitment to quality and producing flavorful fruit. The variety is bred to be vigorously disease-resistant and grows in a minimally-fertilized culture friendly to the environment. Widely known as an exceptionally sweet apple with good crunch, the Sonya's firmness translates into an excellent apple for growers to store and for retailers/consumers to keep fresh and sweet longer. Thank you to Bob Price of Price Cold Storage, Dick Woodin of Congdon Orchards and the Verbrugge family, Marty, John, Peter of Valley Fruit for having the vision of success for the Sonya variety. For more information, please contact: