The US Apple Association's Apple Madness tournament, a five-week online campaign designed to coincide with National Nutrition Month in the country, has come to an end with the Ambrosia variety coming out on top as the nation's favourite.
The bracket-style tournament pitted 32 apple varieties against each other each week, with over 25,000 voters picking their preferred variety by the end of the competition.
Those that entered online were given the chance to win prizes from companies such as Envy, Jazz, Pink Lady and the Washington Apple Commission, while also taking in fresh apple facts on the competition website.
In the end, Ambrosia triumphed over fellow finalist Fuji in what was described as the 'National Chomp-ionship'.
“Apple Madness gave our industry a fresh, creative opportunity to share variety facts, important health research and delicious recipes with consumers – all while connecting the entire roster of our exceptional varieties to everyone’s favourite spring pastime, March Madness,” said Wendy Brannen, director of consumer health and public relations at USApple. “In true March Madness fashion, where the unexpected can be the norm, it was virtually impossible for us to predict the winner.
'Ambrosia – sporting its pink and yellow jersey and playing both sides of the court (snacking and baking) – ground its way through to the end against stiff competition. Congratulations to the Ambrosia growers and fans everywhere!”
