WENATCHEE, WA - Retailers across the country are partnering with U.S. KIKU® apple growers for the “KIKU® for Kicks” promotion, encouraging consumers to pair soccer with the fruit brand.

Along with the promotion, Don Patella, Regional Marketing Director for CMI, added that there will be an in-store contest, making retail partners excited to support local youth, as well as reward produce associates. “We have designed an in-store contest to run parallel to the consumer KIKU® for Kicks promotion. The contest will be tailored to fit each retailer’s needs, and will be based on volume sold or display contests.”

As part of each sponsorship, the company said that the KIKU® alliance will help support local soccer clubs with donations under their retail partners’ names for necessities like:

• Team jerseys
• Soccer balls
• Coolers
• KIKU® brand apples
• Funds to help throw an end-of-season party for the team

In-store retail prizes will include a number of popular items, including Swagway hoverboards and electronics.

CMI added that with the current expansion of the apple category niche apples like KIKU® brand apples continue to be key to both fighting category deflation and satisfying consumer demand.

“In coordination with our alliance partners, Rice Fruit Company and Applewood Orchards, CMI is opening this promotion up to all of our retail partners,” Katharine Grove, Marketing Specialist for CMI, said in the release. “It assists our retailers’ charitable efforts by supporting one of their local soccer teams, all the while creating some excitement within the produce department with in-store displays and promotional merchandise.”

“KIKU® for Kicks” looks to attract consumers to try KIKU® brand apples, support healthy eating and an active lifestyle while also helping local soccer programs.

CMI