Fresh Connection Newsletter - August 2005
On July 14, a brand new marketing campaign was announced by the NCDA&CS Marketing Division. Our nationally known Goodness Grows in North Carolina program will be enhanced by the "Got to Be NC" campaign.All of our media, cooperative advertising and promotions will remind consumers that when it comes to the freshest and highest quality food and agricultural products, it's "Got to Be NC". Watch for more news soon about exciting promotions and new media campaigns designed to increase awareness of the wide variety of NC products available to your customers.
Our own Food Distribution trucks are carrying the message across the state as they deliver food items to local schools.
North Carolina has a reputation for producing high quality, flavorful apples and our season lasts from mid-August to December. Our traditional crops like red delicious and romes are still popular, but the new apple slice market is catching on fast too!
You already know that fresh-cut apple slices are appearing everywhere. Convenient, while maintaining that same yummy, crisp flavor, fresh-cut slices are quickly gaining the attention of healthy snackers.
Take your pick between a mix of sour varieties or a sweet selection in 3 lb. resealable bags, snack size 2 oz. bags or in individual tray packs complete with a caramel dip. Stored at the proper temperature of 32 degrees, these apple slices have a shelf life of 14 days. Purchasing NC fresh-cut apple slices puts a crisp, quality apple in the hands of your consumers quicker and with less shipping expense.
Need more info? Contact Stephanie Wise, NCDA&CS Marketing Specialist at 828-253-1691, ext. 18 or Stephanie.Wise@ncmail.net. For more information on N.C. apples, visit EnjoyNCApples.com or ncfreshlink.com.
NC Tomatoes: A Mouthwatering Experience
NC growers offer a wide variety of tomatoes that are available now through October, giving consumers an opportunity to reap the health benefits and enjoy the great tastes of this popular produce item.
Tomato growers statewide are planting popular varieties of plum, grape, cherry and slicing tomatoes. Grape tomatoes have definitely made an entrance into the homes of consumers. NC growers are providing more choices by adding Sweet Olive and a new Gardner variety to the popular Santa variety most commonly planted.
Plum varieties planted across the state are most often developed by nationally recognized Dr. Randy Gardner of NC State University. The Plum Crimson, a newer release by Dr. Gardner, is higher in Lycopene than other plum varieties. Tomatoes are being packed in: 6-packs, 4-packs, 3-packs, clustered tomatoes and clamshells.
Cherry tomato varieties remain a popular choice for salads and snacking. NC growers have stepped up the production of the Mountain Bell Cherry to fill the void created by a reduction in cherry tomato production in other states.
Our tomato industry generated an estimated $26.5 million in farm income in 2003, making North Carolina sixth in the nation. Growers offer both true vine-ripes and mature greens. NC is the closest major tomato production area to southeastern markets during harvest and are within 24 freight hours of 65% of the U.S. population.
For the 2006 season, NC growers will, for the first time, ship Mr. Stripey and German Johnson heirloom tomatoes. If you haven't tasted these old-timey varieties, get your knife and a couple of slices of white bread. Then, prepare yourself for a mouth-watering experience!
For more information on North Carolina tomatoes, visit the N.C. Tomato Growers Association web site at NCTomatoes.com or ncfreshlink.com. Or contact Stephanie Wise, NCDA&CS Marketing Specialist, phone: 828-253-1691, ext. 18, e-mail: stephanie.wise@ncmail.net.
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