Vienna, VA – The all-purpose Ambrosia apple variety claimed the top spot in U.S. Apple Association’s fiercely competitive, first-ever Apple Madness bracket tournament, a five-week, five-round online competition spotlighting 32 apple varieties and fresh health facts. Ambrosia™ apples in the U.S. are grown exclusively by McDougall and Sons, an owner of CMI.
USApple and its members connected with millions of consumers throughout March (National Nutrition Month) online, on social and in media, encouraging votes at USApple.org/AppleMadness and sharing apple facts. The competition earned 25,682 votes by month’s end.
Each week, tried-and-true veteran varieties (“Buzzer Beater” Braeburn), popular favorites (“Hoops” Honeycrisp), and up-and-comers (“Jumpball” Jazz) faced off as they tried to advance in each of the five rounds, including the Fresh 32, Vitamin-C Sixteen, Edible Eight and Fiber Four. The final National Chomp-ionship round pitted “Fadeaway” Fuji against the ultimate winner, “All Day” Ambrosia.
Throughout the tournament, participants entered to win a host of apple-related prizes from members such as Borton Fruit, Chelan Fresh, Envy Apples, JAZZ Apple, Knouse Foods, Michigan Apples, New York Apple Association, Pennsylvania Apples, Pink Lady America, Red Jacket Orchards, Sage Fruit, Tree Top, and Washington Apple Commission.
“Apple Madness gave our industry a fresh, creative opportunity to share variety facts, important health research and delicious recipes with consumers–all while connecting the entire roster of our exceptional varieties to everyone’s favorite spring pastime, March Madness,” said Wendy Brannen, Director of Consumer Health and Public Relations, USApple. “In true March Madness fashion, where the unexpected can be the norm, it was virtually impossible for us to predict the winner. Ambrosia – sporting its pink and yellow jersey and playing both sides of the court (snacking and baking) – ground its way through to the end against stiff competition. Congratulations to the Ambrosia growers and fans everywhere!”
About USApple
U.S. Apple Association is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. More information on the organization is available at USApple.org.
Source: USApple