Australia’s apple industry is set to benefit from increased exposure under a lucrative three-year A$600,000 contract signed between Horticulture Innovation Australia and governing body Netball Australia.
The deal includes the supply of apples to netballers at all levels, plus television advertising, high-profile netball player ambassador activities, website promotion and signage at elite-level matches.
Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive John Lloyd said the rising popularity of the sport, in tandem with the launch of the Suncorp Super Netball season – which is set to be broadcast on prime-time free-to-air television – made the partnership a valuable association.
“With the rise and rise of netball in Australia and the healthy connection between apples and sport, this partnership makes perfect sense,” Lloyd explained.
“Industry is very excited about this new venture, which is timely given the breadth of participation in netball across the nation and the increasing profile of women’s sport in Australia.”
The deal will also see the Aussie Apples brand promoted during international matches featuring the Diamonds, Australia’s national netball team.
“In this next evolution for netball, we have been seeking to create partnerships with brands who align with our values and vision,” said Netball Australia’s acting chief executive, Marne Fechner.
“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 Horticulture Innovation Australia to netball.”
The new partnership marks the start of Horticulture Innovation Australia’s 2017 Aussie Applesmarketing campaign, which is being rolled out in consultation with growers using marketing levies.
