US (LA): Zespri hosts Rouses event

In order to further support its second annual Kiwifruit for Kids campaign, Zespri hosted an event at Rouses Supermarket in New Orleans in which New Orleans Saints player Pierre Thomas spoke on behalf of childhood obesity. Thomas' charity iCAN Foundation was founded this year in 2012 and is one of the six charities competing in Zespri's Kiwifruit for Kids competition. The iCAN Foundation is currently in first place in the competition with over 16,000 points.

"We want to teach everyone the importance of being active and eating healthy," said Pierre Thomas at Rouses Supermarket. "We've partnered with Zespri Kiwifruit because they're doing a wonderful thing; I'm on board with them. You learn so much when you visit kiwifruitforkids.com where you play various games and learn about childhood obesity. Zespri is pushing that forward and I'd like to thank them for allowing me to be part of their program."

Rouses also was a proud participant in the Southern charity's event. Positioning Zespri Kiwifruit at the front of the store with Kiwifruit for Kids signage, they enjoyed a great increase in sales. Joe Watson of Rouses said, "This is our second year of being involved in Kiwifruit for Kids and it has been a great success story for us. Teaming with the iCAN Foundation this year has been a wonderful experience and having Pierre Thomas come out for the kick-off of the local campaign was extra special for Rouses. Thank you so much to Zespri for making this all happen."

Integrating its retailers into the 2012 Kiwifruit for Kids campaign, Zespri is doing an even bigger push this year to be involved in the Kiwifruit for Kids charity events and making sure Zespri's retailer partners are highlighted. Zespri's effort to host an event at its southern retailer partner, Rouses, with its southern charity, iCAN Foundation, Zespri furthers its goal to show support not only for fighting the battle against the childhood obesity epidemic, but for its local charities and loyal retail partners.

Concluding on October 21, 2012, the winner of the Kiwifruit for Kids campaign will receive $10K, second place takes home $5K, and the other four participating charities will receive $1500 just for playing.

For more information please visit www.zesprikiwi.com