ELGIN, MN - After several years of growing demand for Honeybear Brand’s new Pazazz apples, the company has announced it’s partnering with several retailers to bring the sensation to store shelves earlier and in more volume than ever before. Just in time for the holiday party rush, the variety will meet early demand from Hy-Vee, Loblaw, and Wegman’s shoppers by shipping one month early.
“Pazazz is in year three of commercial production, and is already showing incredible potential for our retail partners,” explained Don Roper, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Honeybear Brands. “It's smashed every retail goal we set, and thanks to the natural maturing of the crop this season, as well as the increase in volume of fruit produced by our family-owned farms across the United States and Canada, we’re able to bring Pazazz to market even earlier than usual. This is great news for grocery store shoppers and lovers of fresh holiday treats alike.”
Grown in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and Nova Scotia, Pazazz will arrive in stores as soon as the second week of December, and be available through February while supplies last. According to a press release, the launch will be supported by:
- In-store demonstrations (second week in January)
- Integrated marketing and promotions campaign
- In-store POS materials
- Targeted advertising
- Social media marketing
- Communications to consumers
“We’re thrilled to be able to partner with industry-leading retailers like Hy-Vee, Wegmans, and Loblaw stores in this exclusive early sneak peek at Pazazz this year,” said Roper. “We’re convinced it will help drive extra holiday sales of a unique, new featured item as well as give us a real indication of what we can expect at retail during the busy January and February sales season when Pazazz is available at more retailers nationwide.”
Honeybear Brands refers to Pazazz as the star of its varietal development program, which now has close to 100 varieties in various stages of pre-commercial growing, testing, and production. Consumers can expect the family-grown variety to roll out nationally in 2018, and is currently being tested with growing partners in the southern hemisphere to potentially increase Pazazz’s in-season availability to retailers and their customers in the United States and Canada.
To learn more about the company and its landmark variety, visit www.PazazzApple.com and www.honeybearbrands.com.
