JAZZ APPLES PICK
UP THE PACE WITH CYCLING SPONSORSHIP
01 June 2006
 The
wheels are in motion for the biggest New Zealand Jazz™ apple
season ever.
And not only will the volume of the popular
variety nearly double 2005, but the fruit is riding fast into
the spotlight with the help of an elite women's cycling team that
shares its home country.
As the title sponsor of the 2006 New Zealand
Women's Development Cycling campaign to North America, Jazz™
apples are gaining positive exposure as a perfect fit for healthy,
active lifestyles, according to David Nelley, pipfruit category
director for The Oppenheimer Group. Based in Vancouver, BC, Oppenheimer
is the exclusive marketer of Jazz™ apples in North America.
The Jazz™ Apple Cycling Team, comprised
of New Zealand's top women riders, embarked on a two-month racing
campaign throughout the U.S. and Canada at the end of May.
"We're very impressed by this group of
athletes, and we hope we can help them attain great heights in
their sport this spring and summer," said Nelley. "The
team members are ideal ambassadors for Jazz™ apples, because
of their commitment to fitness and well-being. They work hard,
ride fast, and have fun. We think that North American Jazz™
apple fans - and those yet to discover this tasty variety - will
relate well to them."
The roster includes Olympic gold medalist
Sarah Ulmer, Commonwealth Games silver medalist Rosara Joseph,
Olympian Michelle Hyland, Carissa Wilkes, Brei Gudsell,
Lauren Koedyk and Serena Sheridan. In bright, branded uniforms,
the Jazz™ Apple Cycling Team will compete in road and
mountain bike events in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver
, CO; Philadelphia, PA; Minneapolis, MN; Laramie, WY; Park
City, UT; Milwaukee, WI, and Delta and Vancouver, BC.
When they are not racing or training, the
cyclists are appearing at retail locations to sample Jazz™
and other ENZA varieties and to sign autographs. Cycling enthusiasts
can follow their activities on www.jazzapple.com,
the Web site dedicated to the tangy-sweet Royal Gala/Braeburn
cross.
"The sponsorship is a fun and exciting
way to drive our target audience into their favorite stores looking
for Jazz™ apples," Nelley said.
ENZA Jazz™ apples from New Zealand are
available in June and July. The Washington-grown Jazz™ season
follows in October and continues through February.
Click here to learn
more.
Click here to see all media
releases.
Photos are available upon request.
Related Web sites: www.oppyproduce.com
| www.enzafruit.com
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Karin
Gardner, Communications Manager
Kinley Engdahl-Johnson,
Media Relations Specialist
PH: (206) 284-1705 | FX: (206) 284-0203
The Oppenheimer Group, Communications
expect the world from us
180 Nickerson St., Suite 211
Seattle, WA 98109
USA
|
