Association brings the flavor of New York apples to Super Bowl celebrations

The New York Apple Association plans to highlight the flavor that New York apples bring to the Super Bowl with several initiatives including videos, a giveaway and merchandising ideas.

"We are excited to launch The Big Flavor for The Big Game campaign by offering snacking ideas,” Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of NYAA, said in a news release. “Serving up New York apple slices and pairing them with snackable duets is a great way to add some crunch.”

The association will launch a game-day video featuring Bob for Apples from New York getting caught calling in sick from the NYAA News, a virtual news station where he works, according to the release.

"Bob for Apples from New York is caught red-handed when the camera crew pans the bleachers of fans cheering on their favorite team,” Haskins said. “Bob isn't sick at all. Bob's quirky personality and love for New York apples make him the perfect spokes-puppet to promote New York State apples and Game Day.”

NYAA said its game-day promotions also include reminders to retailers to cross-merchandise New York apples with game-day snacks and “appletizers," which include football-themed charcuterie boards or trays and apple paring ideas with cheese and dips. The association also said cross-merchandising with game-day tablecloths, jerseys, T-shirts and caps as well as New York fresh and hard cider helps motivate consumers to purchase and keep the game on their minds.

The association also will feature a game-day giveaway later this month on its Instagram account with a foam apple head, a $200 gift card, a gift box of apples and an apple slicer, according to the release.

The game-day video also features two of Bob’s favorite tailgate recipes, including apple and red onion blue burgers and sausage with caramelized onions and apples, both found at ApplesfromNY.com.