Sunkist Growers, Naturipe and Envy Apples collaborate for animated Netflix series

Sunkist Growers, Naturipe Farms and T&G Global's Envy Apples are launching a new Fruitastic promotion for WildBrain’s new animated Strawberry Shortcake series "Berry in the Big City," according to a news release.

The series, available on YouTube and Netflix, features the animated Strawberry Shortcake character in a series of food and cooking adventures.

A recent study shows that shoppers increased their basket spend by over 50% when strawberries and blood oranges were purchased on the same trip compared to the average strawberry trip. Total basket spend increases were also seen with apples and blood oranges trips, according to the release.

This spring, Naturipe (strawberries and blueberries) is representing WildBrain’s new Strawberry Shortcake character in the berry category, Sunkist is promoting Blood oranges with Strawberry Shortcake’s friend Orange Blossom, and Envy (apples) is celebrating Strawberry Shortcake’s move to Big Apple City in the new series, according to the release.

"As life-long fans of the original Strawberry Shortcake series, we are thrilled to be partnering with WildBrain, as well as Sunkist and Envy, to celebrate the new series,” CarrieAnn Arias, vice president of marketing of Naturipe Farms, said in the release. “This gives our produce brands a great opportunity to cross-promote all the delicious fruit that is featured in Berry in the Big City and to help establish the next generation of fans of this iconic brand.”

 A complete "Fruitastic" produce takeover featuring  images of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends will kick off in May at select retailers in time for Mother's Day, with merchandisers provided by the participating produce suppliers, the release said. With limited-edition packaging and merchandising displays, in-store promotional opportunities are available for a short time. 

To celebrate this partnership and to prominently feature their strawberries and blueberries, Naturipe has launched an interactive webpage featuring Strawberry Shortcake and Blueberry Muffin that includes new custom recipe videos that inspire users to “bake the world a better place.” This page also includes downloadable activities for kids and grown-ups alike, the release said.
 Sunkist rolled out limited-edition packaging for Blood oranges, featuring Strawberry Shortcake and Orange Blossom, available in 2 lb. and 3 lb. bags at select retailers. Naturipe has POS display signage to support this promotion available for retailers. Envy apples has also created promotional 2 lb. bags and bins. All three brands have also developed delicious and nutritious recipes for citrus, berries, and apple fans of all ages.

 "This in-store and online promotion is unique, as all three brands come together to celebrate healthy eating and snacking in a ‘fruitastic’ way," Christina Ward, senior director of global marketing at Sunkist, said in the release. "Our data shows that 62 percent of Blood orange shoppers prefer to eat them as a snack, so we are excited to introduce shoppers to a specialty variety they may have never tried before, like Sunkist Blood oranges."

"As Strawberry Shortcake and pals 'bake the world a better place' in Big Apple City, only the best apple will do," Cecilia Flores Paez, head of marketing North America at T&G Global, said in the release. "That's why Strawberry Shortcake has partnered with Envy apples. Prized for their beautifully balanced sweetness, uplifting fresh aroma, and delightfully satisfying crunch, Envy apples are a perfect ingredient for enjoying both exciting adventures and everyday special moments with the people we love."

 "We're thrilled that parents and kids—especially moms and daughters—will be able to share their love of Strawberry Shortcake and delicious fruit this spring through our partnership with Sunkist Growers, Naturipe Farms and Envy Apples," Michael Riley, CBO at WildBrain, said in the release. "These household name brands are ideal promotional partners in our global Strawberry Shortcake franchise program, designed to inspire and delight kids through new content, toys, games, books, music, events and more.”