From Wikipedia "A $10 million consumer launch of the product was funded by Washington State agriculture promotion funds through the Washington Apple Commission and other agencies.[5] The two taglines for the apple were "Imagine the Possibilities" and "The Apple of Big Dreams".[1] It is said to be the largest campaign in apple industry history,[16] and included payments to social media influencers and a partnership with a touring children's production of Johnny Appleseed.[17] The term "Cosmic Crisp" is trademarked.[1]"

The guy at my indie Seattle produce stand said that Big Apple is shilling Cosmic Crisp and it's all a scam. Maybe you're one of their underground campaigns?? I'm on to you, BIG APPLE

Trademarking the name can work out great for consumers if it keeps poorly grown apples out of stores.

I’ve got no idea why people eat anything else. Says on Wikipedia that it only got to the public in 2019, so maybe that’s why this older article omitted it.

They're typically 1.5-2x more expensive than other apples here (eastern Canada) depending on season

Because I've never seen that apple. Only once did I see Honeycrisp, and that seems to have been a trial by my supermarket, two weeks later it was gone and never came back.

(I'm living in Germany)

My favorite is Berlepsch, and if I buy in normal stores, Holsteiner Cox, Braeburn or Boskoop.

For what it’s worth, I live in California where both Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp are readily available (among a healthy gamut of other varieties). I LOVE Honeycrisp and it’s my favorite. I have not even bothered to try Cosmic Crisp, because from all I’ve heard it’s not any better than Honeycrisp, but just has a longer shelf life. I have no issues with the shelf life of Honeycrisp and am skeptical that shelf life can be extended without giving up some other quality.