Comparing Apple Bytes to Apple Bites

Told that the WA 64 was the child of the Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, participants in an apple naming contest also knew it had a pink blush, and the juicy crispiness of its parents. Then, on December 10, 2024, Washington State University announced a winner. From 15,000 entrees, the judges selected Sunflare.

Now, according to the NY Times, its developers have begun a limited rollout at farmers’ markets and colleges. They eventually hope, though, for a massive market that will earn them many millions of dollars from growers’ licensing fees.

Apple History

Today, the apple has come a long way from its bland and mushy ancestors when, during the 1960s, all had a similar taste and lifeless texture. Then, globalization brought us the wonders of the Fuji from Japan and New Zealand’s Braeburn and Gala.

Inspired, U.S. horticulturists got to work, and the rest of the story is history. From years of apple research and development, we got the Honeycrisp. And, from there, we wound up with progeny that included SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp, and Sunflare.

Our Bottom Line: The Apple Brand

More than an apple, the Honeycrisp and its children reflect a brand that is upscale and tasty. The Honeycrisp, the Cosmic Crisp, and now, the Sunflare, are the result of product differentiation. Because of its brand, the Honeycrisp family has pricing power.

Similarly, Apple Inc., celebrating its 50th anniversary, has benefited from a brand that lets it charge more. Valued at more than $600 billion, the brand evolved from a logo with a byte, an ad that said users “Think Different, ” and revolutionary products.

In some ways, Honeycrisp history is similar. And, as for the value of its brand, the Honeycrisp is worth two to four times what we pay for other apples.

My sources and more: Thanks to the NY Times for reminding me it was time to return to apples. From there, we started with a history of the rise of the Honeycrisp. Then, taking the leap to tech, we used this article to review Apple’s brand.

The photo in our featured image is by Jeremy K. Tamsen from Washington State University.