NEW ZEALAND - Consumers are about to get schooled in all things apple, as apple producer T&G global has embarked on a mission to attract shoppers via a culinary classroom. Recently completing 16 sponsored Envy™ apple-centric classes across five retail chains, T&G Global plans to become a prominent and regular feature in even more cooking schools across the U.S. Sponsoring customers’ cooking schools allows the premium apple brand to add value to its retail offerings while at the same time increase brand exposure and shopper loyalty.
“While we believe that Envy apples are ideal as a standalone snack, we also know that spreading the word about the versatility of the apple will increase demand and sales within culinary circles,” said Brock Nemecek, Regional Marketing Manager for T&G Global, in a press release. “Our retail customers have been terrific partners in positioning Envy as a must-have ingredient and have experienced an uplift in sales as a result.“
Envy apples are a crisp, sweet treat with unique, slow-to-brown attributes. A natural cross between a Braeburn and a Royal Gala, the coveted apple adds flavor and crunch to appetizers, salads, main courses, cocktails, and deserts. Everyone—from cooking enthusiasts to culinary pros—are becoming wise to the diverse ways that Envy apples add nutrition, taste, and texture to any course.
The Envy apple-centric retailer cooking schools are an ideal way to attract consumers to a one-of-a-kind course dedicated to apple-based recipes. Five retail chains across the Northwest, Midwest, Southeast, California, and Texas have held Envy-sponsored classes. A Tampa retail location welcomed eight local food bloggers to show-off their favorite Envy apple recipes, while shoppers joined in on the fun with free samplings and wine tasting. Another retailer incorporated Envy into its Culinary Adventure classes aimed at kids.
The cooking classes are not the only innovation that Envy is serving up. The Impulse Buy Bin Program takes apples way beyond the fresh produce department. Eye-catching and with engaging custom displays, the Impulse Buy Bins showcase Envy apples’ culinary versatility, enabling retailers to implement healthy snacking centers in areas not traditionally occupied by produce—at checkout, the pharmacy, and other complementary departments.
“We’re excited to offer our retail customers a way to elevate bagged and bulk Envy apples as ideal grab-and-go, fresh snacks,” said Audrey Desnoyers, Business Development Manager for Oppy. “Additionally, the bin design and messaging deliver on-the-spot recipe inspiration that encourages shoppers to try the apple in new and different ways.”
Envy is a trademarked apple brand owned by T&G Global headquartered in New Zealand. Working alongside T&G and offering Envy™ apples, are its three in-market sales agents, Oppy, Rainer Fruit Company and CMI Orchards.
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