NEW YORK - Promotion is top of mind for the New York Apple Association (NYAA) this holiday season as it celebrates The Big Flavor of New York apples. In honor of its dedication to helping retailers, the association is sponsoring an Apple Pie Baking Kit consumer sweepstakes on social media, launching videos featuring Bob for Apples from New York, and sharing cross-merchandising inspiration.

"Bob has been busy working alongside the NYAA team in capturing a library of recipe assets to share with apple lovers. NYAA has delicious recipe options, including appetizers (or, as Bob calls them, "Appletizers") apple cider beverages, entrees, desserts, and more. This year's New York apple-harvested crop resulted in a good range of sizes and diverse varieties, perfect for setting out for Santa or using for gifts this year," said Cynthia Haskins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Apple Association. "We have a large consumer following because of The Big Flavor New York-grown apples deliver. The Association receives many inquiries, especially during the holiday season, on where to order a case or gift box of New York apples. Our shippers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality fruit this holiday season.”

NYAA reports that several New York apple shippers have individual cases and gift boxes of apples to ship to retailers and directly to consumers, a release stated. The organization also detailed that in the past 10 years, New York apple shippers have invested in new packing lines and their state-of-the-art controlled-storage facilities to make New York apples available year-round.

"We like to think of ourselves as Santa's helpers as NYAA encourages a more sustainable future by inviting buyers to source closer to New York apple orchards. New York growers and packers are located close to major U.S. population centers, reducing fuel costs and emissions with every load," added Haskins.

As New York apples hit produce departments around the nation, NYAA recommends retailers cross-merchandise with apple pie baking ingredients, charcuterie board ideas, and unique and delicious pairing ideas in addition to gift-giving ideas this season.

This includes showcasing New York apples with special boxes or beautiful baskets, apple slicers, selections of nuts and nut butter, artisan bread and crackers, and gourmet cheeses, along with choices of classic and newer New York apple varieties, making for the perfect gift.

NYAA also encourages retailers to provide signage depicting the apple varieties' flavor profiles and letting consumers know where the apples originate.

To read more about NYAA’s holiday blueprint, click here.

For more festive merchandising tips and campaigns, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

New York Apple Association