Pink Chief®

Tree Characteristics

• Vigour: Medium to high
• Growth Habit: Upright to spreading, requires structured training
• Flowering: Mid to late season, around or slightly after Golden Delicious
• Productivity: Good and consistent when well managed
• Alternate Bearing: Low with appropriate crop load control
• Site Suitability: Performs well in cooler Australian growing regions and elevated sites

Grower note: Pink Chief® is particularly valued in blocks where earlier colour development improves harvest timing and packout outcomes.

Fruit Characteristics

• Colour: Bright pink to red blush over a yellow background
• Colour Timing: Earlier than standard Cripps Pink, allowing earlier harvest opportunities
• Finish: Clean and uniform with good colour consistency
• Shape: Typical Cripps Pink, elongated to conical
• Stalk: Medium length
• Eating Quality: Firm, crisp flesh with a balanced sweet–tart flavour profile

Harvest & Storage

• Harvest Window: Late season, earlier than standard Cripps Pink in Australia
• Picking: One to two picks depending on colour and maturity targets
• Storability: Medium to long storage potential under controlled conditions

Grower note: Earlier colour development can reduce the need for multiple late picks and support more efficient harvest management.

Performance & Management

• Packout: Strong due to improved colour timing and finish
• Thinning: Requires careful thinning to manage fruit size and maintain annual cropping
• Cropping: Reliable when crop load is well controlled
• Canopy Management: Open canopies and strong light exposure are essential for colour development
• Pest & Disease: No unusual sensitivities beyond standard Cripps Pink management

Market Advantages

• Earlier colour development improves harvest efficiency
• Consistent colour supports branded program compliance
• Strong consumer recognition within Cripps Pink–based programs
• Good storage performance supports flexible marketing