Feb 18, 2010

Michigan Apple Committee Offers Rebates to Sell Huge Crop

A new offer from the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) will reward retail chains with up to $6,000 for advertising Michigan Jonathan apples during the month of March.

The “Jonny Be Great” rebate gives participating retailers a chance to earn a $1-per-case rebate on Michigan Jonathan purchases as long as they publish a feature advertisement of the apple variety during the month of March.

“Not only does Michigan have one of the most outstanding crops of apples in recent history, we have one of the largest ever,” said Denise Donohue, MAC executive director. “This brand new rebate celebrates Michigan Jonathans – one of the many fabulous apples grown here in the Great Lakes state.”

Michigan Jonathans are crisp with a tart, spicy flavor, ideal for both cooking and eating fresh.

The rebate period is March 1-31. Feature ads on Michigan Jonathan must be published during the four-week period and dated tear sheets are required along with an official entry form to qualify.

Entries must be postmarked by April 30, 2010. Rebates are capped at $6,000 per retail chain.

“The MAC staff has worked closely with our Michigan Apple shippers to develop this offer and we are confident it will help generate a buzz for a tasty apple that many consumers are not all that familiar with,” Donohue said.

Mix ‘N’ Match

MAC has unveiled a second rebate offer, too, this time rewarding retailers for advertising any of five designated Michigan apple varieties.

The new “Michigan Mix ‘N’ Match” gives participating chains the opportunity to earn 50 cents per case, up to $3,000, in exchange for advertising any or all of the following Michigan Apple varieties: Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire and McIntosh.

To qualify, retailers must publish at least two ads between March 1 and April 30. Dated tear sheets, proof of Michigan apple purchase and entry form are required.

“While we’ve offered rebates before in the fall, this is the first time that back-to-back retailer incentives have been presented this late in the season,” Donohue said. “We have a lot of tasty apples yet to move and I believe this will certainly help the cause.”

In January, USDA raised its Michigan apple industry estimate for 2009 from 26.5 million to 28.6 million bushels. The state’s five-year average is 19.5 million bushels.

Click here for guidelines and entry forms.