Turbana supports banana retail sales

US-based Colombian banana marketer Turbana has made an unprecedented move to boost the banana category and support children in local communities under a new project with its retail partners that empowers students to eat healthily and be active.

The company is participating in the Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) programme, an in-school nutrition and physical activity scheme launched by the National Dairy Council (NDC) and the National Football League, in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Turbana said it is partnering with FUTP 60 and Shaw’s for a four-week in-store promotion in participating Shaw’s retail outlets in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The promotion will feature point-of-sale signage, radio announcements, as well as two visible signs in the banana section of the produce department.

By partnering with its US retail customers in order to give back to the neighbourhoods in which they operate, Turbana said the company is complementing the work carried out via the group’s social foundation to support its banana-growing community in Colombia.

“We are delighted to be supporting our retailers and their initiative to help their local communities with this campaign,” explained Marion Tabard, marketing director for Turbana, in a press release.

“At the end of the campaign, we expect to see a significant increase in volume, as well as a real push in schools to educate children on healthy living. Our hope is to eventually provide this kind of support for all of our valued customers.”

From 31 August to 27 September, Shaw’s shoppers can use their Shaw’s Reward Card to purchase three participating items, including bananas and select dairy products, to be automatically entered to win an Xbox 360 with Kinect.

A pound of bananas purchased at participating Shaw’s counts as one of the three participating items in the promotion.

At the end of the four weeks, six lucky entrants will win an Xbox 360 with Kinect console provided by Turbana.

At the conclusion of the campaign, Turbana will also donate Funds to Fuel Up to Play 60 schools in Shaw’s local New England communities, a grant that will educate children on how to live healthier, more active lifestyles.