New York Apple Association kicks off holiday campaign, sweepstakes
The New York Apple Association is ready to celebrate the holiday season with “The Big Flavor” of New York apples. This year, NYAA is sponsoring an Apple Pie Baking Kit consumer sweepstakes on social media and launching holiday videos featuring "Bob for Apples from New York," in addition to reminding retailers to cross-merchandise, according to a news release.
NYAA recommends retailers to cross-merchandise apples with apple pie baking ingredients, charcuterie board ideas and unique and pairing ideas in addition to gift-giving ideas this season. Cross-merchandising with special boxes or baskets, apple slicers, nuts and nut butter, artisan bread and crackers and gourmet cheeses, along with choices of classic and newer New York apple varieties, make for the perfect gift for those with everything, the release said.
The association also recommends that retailers provide signage depicting the apple varieties' flavor profiles and letting consumers know where the apples originate.
NYAA is featuring its consumer Apple Pie Baking Kit giveaway through the end of December on social media and through banner ads. The giveaway includes a pie dish, apple slicer, gift box of New York apples and apple pie recipes, the release said.
The first holiday season video features NYAA's new spokespuppet “Bob,” who grew up on an apple farm in New York State, unknowingly celebrating "National Ugly Sweater Day." Through the puppet, the NYAA says it seeks to promote New York state apples in fun and knowledgeable ways.
The second video features Bob making his holiday list and helping Santa.
Related: Meet the New York Apple Association's new spokespuppet
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for retailers to cross-merchandise with gift-giving ideas, starting with New York State apples and offering many varieties, says NYAA.
The association also plans to use “Bob for Apples from New York” to feature seasonal recipes using apples on social media, the release said.
"NYAA has delicious recipe options, including appetizers … apple cider beverages, entrees, desserts and more,” Cynthia Haskins, NYAA president and CEO, said in the release. “This year's New York apple-harvested crop resulted in a good range of sizes and diverse varieties, perfect for setting out for Santa or using for gifts this year."
NYAA reports that several New York apple shippers have individual cases and gift boxes of apples to ship to retailers and directly to consumers.
"We have a large consumer following because of The Big Flavor New York grown apples deliver. The Association receives many inquiries, especially during the holiday season, on where to order a case or gift box of New York apples. Our shippers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality fruit this holiday season," Haskins said.
NYAA reported that in the past 10 years, New York apple shippers have invested in new packing lines and state-of-the-art controlled-storage facilities to make New York apples available year-round so consumers can enjoy New York apples during the holiday and any time, the release said.
"We like to think of ourselves as Santa's helpers as NYAA encourages a more sustainable future by inviting buyers to source closer to New York apple orchards. New York growers and packers are located close to major U.S. population centers, reducing fuel costs and emissions with every load," Haskins said.
