G&R Farms, a third-generation Vidalia onion grower in southeast Georgia, has partnered with the American Cornhole Organization as its official onion. The promotion includes its Acing Summer Flavors cookbook and will culminate in an online showcase of athlete profiles at ACO’s Go the Distance Festival to be held in August at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa.
“Vidalia Onions are an iconic flavor part of many summer and early fall dining occasions like backyard barbecues, picnics, everyday grilling, summer holidays and tailgating,” G&R Farms CEO Blake Dasher said in a news release. “When we thought about our favorite summertime gatherings, cornhole was always a part of the festivities for some extra fun and friendly competition.”
Pointing to recent data, G&R Farms says cornhole was among the top two most popular sports played by Americans in 2022, reaching across all demographics with casual and competitive leagues. The ACO reports almost 4,000 ranked players and more than 500 point-earning regional tournaments per month. The sport gets millions of online and social media views as fans tune in to watch athlete, sport and tournament content, according to a release.
The new cookbook features 12 sweet onion recipes, tips and tricks for outdoor entertaining and a few notes on improving cornhole skills. The cookbook is available for download ahead of Memorial Day, the unofficial summer kickoff.
“We are so excited to partner with G&R Farms and make their Vidalia onions the official sweet onion of the ACO,” Frank Geers, CEO of American Cornhole Organization, said in the release. “Cornhole is a sport for everyone, steeped in family, fun and friendship and there is no better way to bring everyone together than with food and an onion that’s known throughout the U.S.”
In addition to the ACO partnership, G&R says it remains dedicated to the Growing America’s Farmers program, providing grants and scholarships to FFA students nationwide. Promotions are underway in regional and national retailers. The program has raised and disbursed more than $350,000 in scholarships to the next generation of farmers, and G&R is aiming to break records again this year, the release said.
“At G&R Farms we’re committed to creating tools and opportunities that help our partners drive more onion sales and help consumers enjoy more consumption occasions,” Dasher added. “With great product, new packaging, new promotions and a connection to community, we are ready for a great season.”
