National Apple Month Launches 2011 Retail Display Contest

Since apples go well with caramel and peanut butter, National Apple Month (NAM) has teamed up with Marzetti, Smucker’s and Jif for a national retail and military commissary display contest offering $14,000 in prizes.

This year’s theme, “Host an Apple Pairing Party,” aims to capture the imagination of produce managers, pique the interest -- and taste buds -- of shoppers, and ultimately boost sales of U.S. apples and apple products this October.

Produce managers can visit USApple.org/national for banners, posters and a pairing menu that can help them cross-merchandise U.S. apples and apple products with the participating brands’ products. “The unique point-of-sale materials will help produce managers bring the ‘pairing party’ concept to life,” explained Allison Parker, director of consumer health and education at the Vienna, Va.-based U.S. Apple Association, which is administering the contest.

“For instance, our downloadable menu spotlights apple varieties expertly paired with our sponsors’ products and other simple ingredients widely available in grocery stores,” continued Parker. “Incorporated into a display, this menu can really inspire consumers to experiment with U.S. apples, apple products and the featured ingredients. Plus several of the pairings are conducive to in-store sampling.”

To be considered, participants must have a display in place for at least 14 days between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2011. Entry materials must demonstrate the use of apples, apple products and sponsored products, while also indicating sales increases. Entries must be postmarked or e-mailed by Jan. 15, 2012, and winners will be revealed on or before Jan. 31, 2012. For furtehr details, visit USApple.org/national.

First observed in 1904, NAM is the only national generic apple promotion in the United States.