New Yorkers taste Opal

Opal, known as the apple with a purpose, donates a percentage of sales from every case of Opal apples to youth-led non-profits each year. In keeping with the spirit of giving, Opal hit the Big Apple on December 2, 2014 for Giving Tuesday – a global day dedicated to giving back – and gave away over 6,000 Opal apples.

In midtown Manhattan, a team of Opal brand ambassadors gave away 5,000 bright yellow Opal apples from a life-sized constructed Opal tree and Opal backpacks filled with sweet and crispy apples. The focus of the event was to spread the word about the Opal Youth Make a Difference Initiative and raise awareness of Opal by getting the apple in consumers' hands. In addition, 1,000 Opal apples were also donated to the Sienna House, a family shelter in the Bronx, where they were distributed that week.

“After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a great counterpoint to focus on others,” says Keith Mathews, CEO of FirstFruits Marketing, exclusive distributor of Opal apples. “Giving is a core value of Opal so this event was a great way to give to others and also introduce them to this sweet, crispy apple variety and its purpose.”

Opal has always been the apple that gives back and through its Youth Make a Difference Initiative, Opal funds youth-based initiatives serving communities in the U.S. where youth (ages 6-25) take leadership roles in the project. The initiatives must address food security and politics, nutrition, agriculture or education. Last season, the grants amounted to $75,000 with more funding anticipated for the current season. Grant applications will be accepted starting in January at www.opalapples.com.

Opal will be continuing to make appearances at local events in cities around the U.S. to create awareness for the apple and its Youth Make a Difference Initiative. Enthusiastic brand ambassadors identified by bright yellow Opal apparel will be handing out apples at events in Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco.

Grown in Washington, Opal apples are sold exclusively in North America by FirstFruits Marketing. This cross between Topaz and Golden Delicious stands out on the shelf with its lovely yellow colour and great taste. Sweet to start with a tart finish, Opal has a satisfying amount of crunch in each bite. This Non-GMO Project verified apple is also highly resistant to oxidation making it less likely to brown. Available in limited quantities, Opal apples will likely run through March.

FirstFruits Marketing is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers. These growers share a commitment to producing high quality fruit while balancing the demands of purpose, people, planet and profit so that a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved. For more Information, visit www.firstfruits.com.