LE CRUNCH is getting the French apple season off to a strong start unveiling a UK marketing campaign to include a national schools programme, a heavy-weight trade event and in-store promotions spanning the entire season. The schools programme began last month spreading healthy eating messages among 6,000 primary school members using ‘Le Crunch Crew Playtime Club’ apple characters designed especially to appeal to children.
A nation-wide Le Crunch Apple Day competition offers schools the prize of £3000 to spend on playground equipment or healthy eating initiatives as well as offering smaller prizes for pupils. Parents will also be targeted through healthy eating information leaflets.
A trade event is planned for March surrounding the England Vs France six-nations rugby match dubbed ‘Le Crunch’ giving key decision makers the chance to discuss future opportunities for Le Crunch apples within the UK market.
Six major retailers and the main UK wholesale markets will be involved in promotions continuing the healthy eating and active lifestyle theme. Activities will include on-pack promotions and competitions, in-store POS, online games as well as coverage in retailer magazines.
The French apple season runs from August to May. As some key Southern hemisphere countries look to take advantage of emerging markets outside the UK, an opportunity opens up for French producers, who with their cold-storage know-how are well placed to fill any gaps the UK may feel as the Northern and Southern hemisphere seasons cross over. Daniel Corbel, co-president of INTERFEL’s external market commission said: “French producers are used to responding quickly to UK market demand. Our proximity to the UK market and a sophisticated supply chain are big advantages of Le Crunch. A well-established transport system means apples can be delivered quickly, efficiently and at relatively short notice. What’s more, our quality standards with GlobalGAP certifications and BRC standard packing reflect what the UK buyers expect.”
Quality for the 2008 / 2009 season is looking promising and total Le Crunch exports to the UK are expected to be over 150,000 tonnes. Daniel Corbel said: “The UK is still the most important export market for French growers, and we work equally on quality and quantity to meet the demands of UK buyers. Our climate, geography and varietal expertise position Le Crunch as world-class apples.”
For more information
Email: ouitolecrunch@sopexa.com
Comments are closed.