Commercialization and Licensing - Apples
It takes a lot of planning and energy to produce the highest quality, best tasting apples. You also need apples that bring the highest financial returns from wholesalers, retailers, and consumers throughout the season. We believe apples developed by the University of Minnesota can help improve your production and sales.
Unique apple trees developed by the U of M are protected. Propagation of these trees without a license is prohibited, even if you want to propagate or topwork only one tree.
Licensed Through the U of M
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Honeycrisp (aka Honeycrunch®) Apple TreeHoneycrisp Apple Trees are no longer under patent protection in the U.S. Protected in Canada and several other countries, this variety is popular as the Honeycrunch® Apple outside North America. Honeycrisp or Honeycrunch®, this explosively crisp and juicy apple commands a premium price. Visit the Technology Commercialization website for more information on licensing Honeycrisp or Honeycrunch®. |
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Zestar® Apple TreeThe Zestar!® apple is a uniquely crunchy early season apple. It has a sprightly sweet-tart taste with a hint of brown sugar. Start up your cash flow with sales earlier in the summer. Zestar!® Apple Trees are no longer under patent protection in the U.S. but a license is required to propagate Zestar!® outside the U.S., including Canada. Visit the Technology Commercialization website for more information on licensing Zestar!®. |
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Rave® and First Kiss® ApplesRave® and First Kiss® apples are brands of the MN55 apple cultivar, which is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. (US Plant Patent 26,412) Rave® has been exclusively licensed by the University of Minnesota. More information on availability and licensing can be found on the Rave® webpage. Commercial apple growers in Minnesota can obtain information regarding licenses to grow MN55 apples under the First Kiss® brand by contacting the Technology Commercialization team. First Kiss® tech i.d. #20110037 |
Triumph®, SnowSweet® and SweeTango® (Minneiska variety) apple trees are protected by United States Plant Patents or Plant Variety Rights in other countries. Nurseries must be licensed to propagate and sell these protected varieties.
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Triumph™ Apple Tree
The Triumph!™ apple (aka MN80) is a well-balanced and pleasantly tart red apple. Its excellent scab resistance and good storage life make it a great option for direct market and organic growers. Triumph™ has been released as an "open variety" (tree royalty only). Nurseries must obtain a license from the University of Minnesota in order to propagate and sell Triumph™. Please contact the Technology Commercialization team for more information on obtaining a license. |
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SweeTango® AppleThe SweeTango® apple, Minneiska variety (US Plant Patent 18,812) is protected under the US Plant Patent Act and by Plant Breeders Rights in other countries. SweeTango® has been exclusively licensed by the University of Minnesota. More information on availability can be found on the SweeTango® website or by contacting the Technology Commercialization team. For growers located in the state of Minnesota, please contact Ferguson's Orchard to get licensed to grow and sell SweeTango® fruit. |
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SnowSweet® Apple TreeThe SnowSweet® apple is a late season variety that has a delightful sweet taste, with a slight tart balance and rich overtones. Consumers love it not only for the flavor, but also because it is slow to oxidize after cutting. An asset for preparing appetizing dishes in advance. SnowSweet® can help extend your sales season. Obtain an express license for SnowSweet® from TC. SnowSweet® tech i.d. #Z03140 |
Supported Through the MNRC
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Frostbite™, Keepsake, Sweet 16, and State Fair Apple TreesFrostbite™, Keepsake, Sweet 16 and State Fair apple trees are available at many nurseries and supported by Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation (MNRC) participants. Please order from MNRC nurseries to help support future apple research. |
