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FirstFruits Marketing increasing awareness of Opal apples

Opal apples kicked off the season to strong consumer demand. Since the arrival of Opal in late 2013, FirstFruits Marketing, the exclusive marketer of Opal apples, has been increasing awareness and consumer engagement through social media and blogger partnerships.Opal logo-tag

Following a blogger “progressive party” in early January, a Twitter party using the hashtag #OpalApples is scheduled for tonight at 9 p.m. Guest hosts @Kitchen Play with @Opal Apple and food bloggers @copykatrecipes, @bakerpeabody, @dreamaboutfood, @SavourFare and @JenatPBandP will be discussing Opal apple recipes and the natural non-browning properties and great taste of Opal.

Opal partner Chop Chop magazine will also participate to discuss getting kids into the kitchen and bringing families together to eat more healthfully. The Opal Youth Make a Difference Initiative and Chop Chop magazine are aligned in engaging families and youth in reducing and preventing childhood obesity and hunger, making for an ideal partnership.

The #OpalApples Twitter party will engage consumer through a treasure hunt with clues found on the participating blogs and Opal website. Consumers who answer questions correctly will have a chance to win one of five prize packs, which include Opal apples and subscriptions to Chop Chop magazine.

The Opal apple progressive party was an online event with five courses highlighting the versatility and great taste of Opal.  Progressive party bloggers Copy Kat Recipes, Culinary Concoctions by Peabody, All Day I Dream About Food, Savour Fare and Peanut Butter and Peppers each created a recipe with Opal apples and posted about it on their blogs. The recipes take consumers through an entire menu, from a snappy cocktail, to savory appetizer, salad, main dish and delicious dessert.

Through the Opal Youth Make a Difference Initiative, FirstFruits provides funding for small, grassroots organizations surrounding youth-led food and agricultural issues. The initiative asks the fans of Opal apples to nominate worthy organizations in need of funding. Nominees are run through a stringent set of criteria, and final awards are based on consumer votes for top nominations. Last season the Opal Youth Make a Difference Initiative provided funding for five projects in addition to Katie’s Krops. This year grant funding is expected to be $75,000.

Grown in Washington, Opal apples are sold exclusively in North America by FirstFruits Marketing. 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 crunch in each bite. And it is naturally highly resistant to oxidation making it less likely to brown.

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