ELGIN, MN - Honeybear Brands, a leading grower, marketer, and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries, and its exclusive brand Pazazz® teamed up with Professional Hockey standout Taylor Heise to “Assist Second Harvest Heartland” during the 2024-25 hockey season. The partnership paid off big time, with the Frost winning their second national championship and Pazazz donating 12,000 pounds of apples to the Second Harvest Heartland food bank.

“Our food shelf partners appreciated the generous infusion of fresh apples this winter. We were thrilled to partner with Pazazz and Taylor Heise on this inaugural campaign. It’s been fun to watch Taylor compete and bring attention to the cause, helping to put hunger on ice,” said Lindsey Ochmanek, director of sourcing and demand planning, Second Harvest Heartland, in a recent press release.

Honeybear Brands donated 600 pounds of apples each time Heise fed a teammate an assist – otherwise known as an “apple” in hockey – during Frost hockey games this season, running December through May. Heise broke last season’s assist record of 9 assists – with a total of 20 assists.

"It’s been an amazing season for many reasons. The Pazazz Apples partnership benefiting Second Harvest Heartland has been an incredible opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career. I was doubly motivated throughout the season, knowing that each assist on the ice translates into apples for those in need. I broke my record and we brought another Walter Cup home in the process!" said Taylor Heise, professional hockey player.

Doing Good While Promoting Good Health

Throughout the hockey season, Heise helped promote the campaign to her avid followers on social media – marking each “apple” and resulting donation. Honeybear amplified the campaign on its Instagram and Facebook platforms in markets where Pazazz is on shelf. In addition to fighting hunger, the campaign promoted the importance of fueling the body with fiber for overall good health.

Apples offer numerous health benefits, thanks to their fiber-rich peels. One medium apple has approximately 4.4 grams of dietary fiber, which is 16% of the daily requirement. Apples, which are about 85% water, are also a hydrating snack.

Pazazz is a popular option for apple lovers. Perfectly sweet and tangy, with an explosive, loud crunch, Pazazz is also a late season apple that remains delicious long after other premium apple flavors start to fade.

“Taylor Heise has been an amazing ambassador this season. Not only does she genuinely love apples, but as an elite athlete she has helped educate her followers on the importance of fueling their bodies with healthy options.” said Kristi Harris, brand manager, Honeybear Brands. “Just like Heise, Honeybear is passionate about giving back to our community. We were thrilled to see Taylor amplify our Pazazz brand of apples in a genuine spirit of filling the need to alleviate hunger. It’s been a WIN all around.”