The New York Apple Association has a new official spokesperson — or spokespuppet, actually.
That voice comes in the form of the news anchor Bob for Apples from New York, a puppet explicitly created for NYAA News, a virtual news station for apple lovers everywhere, according to a news release. Along with bright green skin and a quirky personality bringing fun and puns, Bob is described as having several years of experience in the New York state apple industry and having grown up on a family-owned farm.
“I am apple-soluteley delighted to be a spokespuppet for the New York Apple Association and the 500 growers they represent,” Bob is quoted in the release.
The NYAA news station is open 24/7, sharing stories that are hand-picked with bites of apple facts, visits to the apple orchard and interviews with New York apple growers. NYAA’s newest spokespuppet will share breaking news from the NYAA kitchen — where something is always cooking and brewing, the release said.
The NYAA News set design was built exclusively for Bob and his guests, who will include apple growers, craft cider makers, apple cider doughnut bakers, chefs, foodies, adventurists, marathon runners, dietitians, moms and dads, and kids, according to the release.
NYAA says it is debuting a video series appearing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. NYAA News will reach the trade through publications and LinkedIn and consumers through Facebook and Instagram, the release said.
Bob for Apples from New York will provide news about unique apple pairings and new recipes, including finger foods, and welcome special guests to the NYAA kitchen and the NYAA News set.
“There were several who had a hand in bringing Bob’s character to life,” Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association, said in the release.
Myers Creative, Rochester, N.Y., worked with NYAA to create Bob for Apples from New York and give the puppet a voice. Bob makes his consumer and trade debut this week and is joined by Fiona, a field correspondent (rather, make that apple orchard correspondent) who reports on The Big Flavor of this year’s New York apple crop.
“Since I was a young puppet, I remember eating an apple a day and wanting to entice others to do the same. New York apples are a healthy snack and have The Big Flavor!” Bob is quoted in the release.
With The Big Flavor as the primary driver for category success, NYAA is optimizing multiple creative strategies to build consumer and trade awareness about Apples from New York, the release said.
