News

Aussie Apples signs six-figure sponsorship deal with Netball Australia

Australian apple farmers have come together under the Aussie Apples branding to sponsor the new-look Netball League as women’s professional sport continues to attract more viewers, larger crowds and increased commercial backing.

The three-year $600,000 sponsorship deal and corresponding campaign will encourage Australians to ‘Get your crunch on’ and is the first of its kind for Australian apple growers.

The sponsorship will include high-profile brand exposure at international and national netball games, as well as access to Netball Australia’s prime-time, free-to-air television broadcast and player promotions. The partnership will also include the development of a “grassroots healthy eating program”, ‘Fresh Step’. As part of the deal, Aussie Apples will deliver apples to netball carnivals and professional games across the country throughout the 2017 season – distributing the fruit to more than 324,000 young netball players.

David Moore, marketing general manager at Horticulture Innovation Australia – which manages the Aussie Apples brand on behalf of the nation’s growers – said the group was excited to work with Netball Australia and reach the 1.2 million Australians who play netball.

“Our sponsorship of Netball Australia presents huge opportunities for exposure and penetration for the Australian apple industry,” he said.

Acting CEO of Netball Australia, Marne Fechner, said the sporting body was equally pleased with the partnership, particularly as it comes at a time when the sport is building its high-performance, commercial and grassroots programs.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Horticulture Innovation Australia through the Aussie Apples brand,” she said. “In this next evolution for netball, we have been seeking to create partnerships with brands who align with our values and vision.

“With its focus on healthy nutrition, and interest in supporting Australia’s leading women’s sport from the grassroots to the elite, we couldn’t be happier in welcoming HIA and apples to netball.”

Apples Australia noted the fruit had fallen to fourth place in a ranking of energy snack choices among Australians, down two places since 2014/15 and behind bananas, potato chips and chocolate bars. The sponsorship initiative and three-year marketing program aims to make apples the number one energy snack choice, HIA said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.