CHARLOTTE, NC - It’s no coincidence that National Banana Day falls in April, otherwise known as Stress Awareness Month. With a science-backed link between bananas and the alleviation of stress, Dole Food Company is using this period as a prime vehicle for the latest installment of its “Healthier by Dole” alternative recipe series.
“From their position as a breakfast and brown bag lunch staple to the banana bread-baking revolution that happened during COVID-19, bananas are enjoyed by 90 percent of Americans—making them the most popular produce and one of the most-purchased items in the supermarket,” said Melanie Marcus, RD, MA, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager.
In honor of National Banana Day, April 20, the produce purveyor has kicked off a month-long tribute to the staple fruit as part of its celebration, which it has once again extended to five full days of festivities from April 18–22 across all Dole social media platforms, according to a press release.
“Healthier by Dole” is a monthly series of easy-to-make recipes high in fruits and vegetables, and the latest menu includes 10 banana-inspired entrée, side dish, dessert, and drink recipes, including easy and tasty ways to go gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.
In addition to the banana-centric recipes, Dole is releasing original social and blog content April 18–22 for National Banana Day.
The creative content and banana-based recipes set out to elevate the category and spotlight bananas for their ability to improve mood and relieve anxiety.
“Bananas contain vitamin B6, which is involved in the creation of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and research suggests that they can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress levels,” added Marcus. “Another study found that foods like bananas that contain prebiotics (a type of fiber that feeds probiotics, the healthful bacteria inside your gut) may also promote more restful sleep.”
What sales-driving strategies will be headlining your produce section for National Banana Day? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring unique new merchandising opportunities to light.
