YAKIMA, Wash. – FirstFruits Marketing of Washington (FirstFruits) recently received the Marketing Excellence Award from Produce Business for its 2014-2015 Opal® apple campaign.
FirstFruits is one of 17 companies recognized by Produce Business for creating winning campaigns that speak to consumers and the industry in different ways with dynamic and effective initiatives. The award honors the best merchandising and marketing promotions from all segments of the industry with judging based on five different categories: creativity, originality, execution, significance and call to action. The Opal apple campaign was selected for successfully reaching its objectives through its marketing efforts, which included the highly-visible Giving Tuesday event where Opal brand ambassadors handed out Opal apples to New Yorkers in front of the Rockefeller Center.
“It’s an absolute honor to receive this marketing excellence award from Produce Business,” says Keith Mathews, CEO of FirstFruits Marketing of Washington. “We are ecstatic that our marketing efforts for Opal are being recognized and will continue to find creative and effective ways to increase awareness for this new apple.”
Grown in Washington by Broetje Orchards, Opal apples are sold exclusively in North America by FirstFruits. This cross between Topaz and Golden Delicious stands out on the shelf with its lovely yellow color and great taste. Sweet to start with a tart finish, Opal has a satisfying amount of crunch in each bite. And to the delight of consumers, Opal is non-GMO and naturally resists browning after slicing. Opal will be available this November. More information about Opal apples can be found at www.opalapples.com.
About FirstFruits Marketing of Washington
FirstFruits Marketing is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers. These growers share a commitment to producing high-quality fruit while balancing the demands of purpose, people, planet and profit so that a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved. For more Information, visit www.firstfruits.com.
About Opal Apple
Opal apple is known as the apple with a purpose. Grown only in Washington by Broetje Orchards, this Golden Delicious-Topaz cross apple variety was introduced by FirstFruits Marketing in 2010 to wide consumer and media acclaim. Its distinctive color, flavor and texture are not the only qualities that make this product unique: Opal apple was created to make a difference in communities across the nation. Every year, FirstFruits Marketing donates a percentage of sales of every case of apples to worthy organizations that address issues like hunger, food safety, sustainability and the environment. UEB 32642 variety apples are grown exclusively by Broetje Orchards and distributed under the OPAL® brand name by First Fruits Marketing in North America.
Source: FirstFruits Marketing of Washington