Baking influencer helps Natural Delights reinvigorate Canadian marketing

The medjool date grower has focused on consumer education in recent months to amplify its presence in Canadian markets.

Natural Delights Anna Olson on harvest tour. Photo courtesy of Natural Delights
Natural Delights Anna Olson on harvest tour. Photo courtesy of Natural Delights
(Photo courtesy of Natural Delights)

Medjool date brand Natural Delights is returning to CPMA in Toronto this April with award-winning products and an ambitious Canadian marketing program in tow, according to a news release.

For the last several years, Natural Delights has focused efforts on expanding distribution globally to meet the growing demand for Medjool dates. The brand has partnered with Canadian trade and consumer media as well as influencers to bolster brand recognition in one of its largest export markets, the release said.

This year Natural Delights is partnering with Anna Olson — also known as “Canada’s Baking Sweetheart” — to elevate the brand through her platform and influence. Olson experienced Natural Delight’s medjool date harvest firsthand in September 2022, cataloging the experience on her Oh Yum channel on YouTube, which has since received the second-highest views on her channel.

Related news: Industry ready to come together at 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show

Olson also hosted baking demonstrations on some of Canada’s most popular morning shows. In total, Olson’s support has earned Natural Delights more than 25 million impressions this year, according to the release.

“Our marketing efforts have focused on educating consumers about the health benefits and versatility of Medjool dates, while highlighting our commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices,” Natural Delights Director of Marketing David Baxter said in the release.

Natural Delights 2-pound whole dates are the top-selling SKU in Canada, according to the release, and the brand offers a wide range of merchandising options including display racks, shippers and pallet displays. Retailers are encouraged to take advantage of merchandising options that prominently display Natural Delights products and make them easy to find, the release said.

“Canadian retailers have come to expect consistency and the highest standard of excellence with Natural Delights products,” Natural Delights Canadian Sales Director Mauro Santelli said in the release. “Our French and English packaging, product variety and commitment to providing resources to shoppers has made the brand a top choice for Canadians.”

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
As families re-establish hectic autumn routines, leading produce brands and grocers are capturing market share by targeting parents with problem-solving convenience, budget-friendly flexibility, purpose-driven messaging and early habit formation.
For the third year in a row, organic has grown faster than the total market, indicating shoppers are prioritizing health and the planet and are willing to pay a premium for it, says Tom Chapman, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association.
In part one of this exclusive five-part series designed to offer a blueprint for building an iconic produce brand, Adam Cooper, CEO of Oasis Dates, breaks down the organizational and foundational work required to spark a category revolution.
Read Next
Agricultural leaders welcome the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act while warning that severe consular delays could undermine grower gains.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App