The Michigan Apple Committee has contracted with the FoodMix agency to assist with the group’s consumer marketing efforts, says Diane Smith, the committee’s executive director.
“FoodMix has a great reputation, and we are excited to be working with them build brand loyalty for Michigan Apples,” Smith said. “We are currently in the planning stage for our fall 2024 campaign. Planning is also underway for the second annual Handpicked Social Media Summit, which allows us to cultivate growers and industry members as brand ambassadors online.”
Industry leaders will come out with Michigan’s official apple estimate Aug. 16 at the U.S. Apple Outlook Conference in Chicago.
“We are hearing from growers that this year’s bloom was one of the most beautiful in recent years, and it’s looking like we’ll have another large crop for 2024,” Smith said.
Smith said Michigan Apple Committee is no longer engaging in retail marketing efforts as of the 2023 crop year.
Marketing programs will still be available through the fresh apple sales organizations, Smith said. (Click here to visit an online directory.)
“Times and trends continue to change in the retail marketplace, and the Michigan Apple Committee board of directors felt that MAC’s best contribution to the current retail climate is to focus on education and communications aimed at driving consumer demand,” Smith said. “In this way, MAC can support retailers’ marketing efforts while avoiding duplication of efforts. Michigan Apple Committee will continue to be the voice of the Michigan Apple industry, and a resource for information for retailers and trade publications.”
