News from
NEW ENGLAND APPLES
P. O. B 41, Hatfield, MA 01038 www.apples-ne.com 413-247-9966
Contact: Russell Powell, 413-247-9966
March 21, 2003
IT'S NOW NEW ENGLAND APPLES
At a meeting of growers February 26, members of the New England McIntosh Growers Association voted unanimously to change the trade association's name to New England Apples. Growers also pledged their renewed financial commitment for the association and approved an annual schedule of promotions. The association board, most of whom were in attendance, agreed to review its funding formula to align it more directly with the cost of the promotional program while sensitive to fluctuations in the size of the crop.
The association expects to raise additional income through the sale of a new value-added product at the Eastern States Exposition beginning in 2003, and to develop specific promotions and benefits for direct marketers this year (see related story) to attract more members and increase their financial contribution to the organization.
The name change to New England Apples was made for several reasons. It is more accurate and descriptive, said Executive Director Russell Powell, who related that he often had to explain to people that the association represented all growers and varieties, not just McIntosh. While McIntosh remains New England's signature apple, the new name acknowledges the critical role other varieties play in supporting the region's growers. The new name will be easier to easier to use in promotions and will speak directly to consumers, says Powell, and it will be included in a redesign of the association logo later this year.
News from
NEW ENGLAND APPLES
P. O. B 41, Hatfield, MA 01038 www.apples-ne.com 413-247-9966
Contact: Russell Powell, 413-247-9966
March 21, 2003
NEW ENGLAND APPLES RENEWS SPONSORSHIP OF BOSTON MARATHON
HATFIELD, MA-New England Apples is an official sponsor of the 2003 Boston Marathon, scheduled for Monday, April 21, for the second straight year. In addition to providing fresh apples to the more than 20,000 runners, volunteers and officials who will participate in this year's race, New England Apples is developing a series of supermarket promotions to encourage consumers to buy New England apples in the month leading up to the race.
New England Apples, a non-profit trade association representing the region's apple growers, is also sponsoring a billboard promoting the marathon along the race course, near Cleveland Circle, beginning Monday, March 24.
"This is a great time to be eating New England apples," says Executive Director Russell Powell. "We have a good supply of crisp apples for the runners on marathon day and in stores for consumers in the month leading up to the race.
"We are pleased to be sponsors of the marathon again in 2003," he adds. "Last year our McIntosh apples were the only fresh fruit received by runners after the race, and they were well-received. The race is a great New England tradition, and our apples are a healthy and flavorful way to replenish energy after any exercise."
The Boston Marathon, now in its second century, enjoys world-wide name recognition for its quality and tradition. The marathon is the biggest one-day event in all of New England.
The New England states produce between four million and 4.5 million bushels of apples in an average year. The McIntosh, with its distinctive sweet-tart flavor, accounts for about two-thirds of the New England crop. Other popular varieties are the Rome, Macoun, Cortland, Empire, and Eastern Red Delicious. In all, more than 40 types of apples are grown commercially on New England soils.
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