In the summer of 2018, Rainier Fruit Company launched a campaign known as "Pears for Pairs". Part of the proceeds sold from the sale of Rainer Fruit's pears goes into the purchase of socks which are donated to charities that support homeless people in local communities. Andy Tudor of Rainier Fruit Company said the idea of the campaign is in step with the company's mission of helping out local communities.
"The Pears for Pairs idea was meant to create increased demand for pears, but also to foster our Wholesome to the Core mission of giving back to the communities where we do business," he said. "The idea itself was initially a marketing novelty, but as we began to build the program ideals, we quickly realized that there was significant opportunity to make a difference and raise awareness about the issue of homelessness throughout the United States. Our partnership with Hanes creates a natural connection to socks and relationships in the homeless support community through their charity sock drive."
How retailers can get involved
Rainier Fruit acknowledges that homelessness is a nationwide problem. Therefore, a retailer that wants to get involved in the Pears for Pairs program can nominate any charitable partner in their own community. Tudor says this makes it a personal program, and consumers can get involved by simply making a purchase, knowing that part of the proceeds will go towards the local charity.
"Consumers do not need to alter their behavior at all," he said. "They see our Pears for Pairs displays in store and learn a little bit about what their purchase does, and a simple purchase allows them to do good."
Retail displays will be offered to help this along, as Tudor described. "We will again be offering high graphic retail displays that allow retailers to utilize our digital bins. These can hold bag or bulk product and can be customized with the store name and branding in addition to the Pears for Pairs message. We’ll tap social media through the Rainier social pages, Hanes and our supporting retail partners to create the greatest reach and awareness for the homeless issue."
Another initiative that Rainier Fruit is getting involved in is Family Meals Month. This campaign is hosted by the Food Marketing Institute and aims to highlight the importance of family meals, which Rainier Fruit says is also a cause that's very important to them. "Our programming will not only focus on sitting down as a family and eating, but engaging as a family and we’ve partnered with Play Monster, a leader in family board games for some online giveaways that tie perfectly to the Family Meals month messaging," Tudor shared. "We’re excited to partner with our many retail partners throughout the U.S. who are also supporting this important cause in store."
Pear harvest underway
Bartlett pears are currently being harvested, with Anjou and Bosc to start in September. Tudor said that volume is down this year, but favorable weather is resulting in a promising outlook. "We are deep into Bartlett harvest and starting conventional and organic Anjou harvest mid September, with Bosc to follow. Our volume is down on both varieties, especially Bosc, and Bartlett sizing has also been a little challenging. However, there is great demand for bags and Anjous should make up some ground before their harvest. The moderate weather we continue to enjoy should ensure a great storing and eating pear crop."
He concluded by stating what Rainier Fruit's goal is and why the company feels campaigns such as Pears for Pairs are so important. "Our goal is always to be the best version of ourselves and challenge ourselves to raise the bar in all we do. That is in our quality, our commitment to sustainability, our commitment to relationships with our retail partners and making a difference. This program creates so many wins by allowing us to live our mission of Wholesome to the Core. It also allows us to develop unique and personal programs with our retail partners that make a difference in their communities. Anyone can sell commodities like apples and pears, or potatoes or celery or any other fruit or vegetable. The real difference comes when we make a commitment to work together in long-term relationships that not only foster sales, but foster consumer relationships."
For more information:
Andy Tudor
Rainier Fruit Company
Ph: +1 (509) 698-0717
[email protected]
www.rainierfruit.com
