Ocean Mist Farms Bows Shopper Sweepstakes

Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of fresh artichokes in the United States, is marking the start of the peak artichoke harvest with a shopper sweepstakes.

Throughout the month of April, artichoke fans can take pictures of fresh artichokes wherever they see them and then upload the images on Ocean Mist’s mobile site. One winning picture will be chosen weekly during the month to receive $2,000. Shoppers must be members of the Artichoke Aficionados club to win.

Ocean Mist is promoting the sweepstakes via display contests, grocery store signage and artichoke petal inserts, as well through its website and social media accounts.

“The sweepstakes rewards artichoke shoppers for being our eyes and ears in their market,” said Kori Tuggle, director of marketing and business development at Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist. “We’re using all of our communication vehicles, including our 33,000 artichoke club membership base, website, Facebook and Twitter, to spread the news about the sweepstakes and let people know peak artichoke season is here.”

Besides the spring sweepstakes, Ocean Mist is making it easier to find artichokes on sale by adding a new feature to its mobile site that tells shoppers where to find artichokes on sale in their respective markets. The information is available on the grower’s website and in regional e-mails sent to Artichoke Aficionados club members and Facebook fans. Additionally, Ocean Mist is posting the information on Twitter using the hash tag #artichokesonsale.