Posts Tagged “pecans”
by American Pecan Council
FORT WORTH, Texas — Pecans have been hovering below the radar for most Americans – often dismissed as an ingredient just for holiday pies. Even though pecans are the only major tree nut indigenous to America, many people in the country are unaware of the versatility, health benefits, American heritage, and year-round availability of pecans. That’s all about to change.
Today the pecan industry launched its first-ever national consumer campaign to help America’s native nut proudly claim its spot as a super nutritious, super versatile and super local nut. American Pecans, The Original Supernut™ is a brand positioning for pecans and a consumer education initiative to get Americans to think about pecans in a new way.
“The American pecan industry has a rich history dating back centuries and a powerful story that is largely untold – our goal is to change that,” said Mike Adams, a Texas pecan grower and chairperson of the American Pecan Council – a new organization formed as a result of a Federal Marketing Order (FMO) for pecans approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2016. “Other nuts, to their credit, have benefited from large consumer campaigns for decades. Now, we want to shine a light on our industry that has come together to share the story of the American Pecan.”
The campaign will help change America’s perception of pecans, focusing on three major reasons they truly are The Original Supernut.
- Pecans are super nutritious: Even though pecans are typically considered a dessert nut, they are extremely nutrient dense and nearly two decades of research document their heart-health benefits.* Pecans are among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats, and contain plant protein, fiber, flavonoids and essential minerals, including copper, manganese and zinc.
- Pecans are super versatile: They are an easy snack right out of the bag or mixed with dried fruit for a fast trail mix. They can be tossed onto morning oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and salads. And while pecan pie is a holiday favorite, pecans can be used in many savory recipes such as pasta, dips, and even tacos – the possibilities are endless.
- Pecans are super local: Of all the major tree nuts eaten in the U.S., pecans are the only ones indigenous to America. Once grown wild and enjoyed by Native Americans, pecans are now harvested in 15 states across the pecan belt.
The U.S. annual pecan harvest averages about 300 million pounds, which is a large portion of the global pecan supply. However, pecan production is significantly lower than other major tree nuts that have benefited from Federal Marketing Orders for decades, such as 2 billion pounds for almonds and 1 billion for walnuts. Pecan growers have planted thousands of acres of new trees in the last few years in anticipation of the expected increase in demand.
About the American Pecan Council
The American Pecan Council (APC) is a group of passionate pecan growers and shellers whose life work is dedicated to growing, harvesting and processing America’s native nut. Founded in 2016 through a Federal Marketing Order, the APC’s mission is to promote the many benefits of the American Pecan and help tell the story of this truly unique nut. With oversight by the USDA, APC aims to build consumer demand, develop markets and establish industry standards. APC is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and funded by pecan handlers in 15 pecan-producing states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
by The Georgia Pecan Growers Association
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Pecan Growers Association is partnering with Schwinn Bicycles, a brand of Dorel Industries, for the biggest cross-promotional partnership in the history of Georgia Pecans. This alliance begins April 1, 2015 and runs through September 30, 2015 with monthly giveaways of Schwinn bicycles, helmets, locks and Georgia pecans.
The Georgia Pecans/Schwinn promotion kicks off in April, also known as National Pecan Month, and it will continue into May, which is also National Bike Month. Monthly prize drawings will occur all summer long and into September as well.
In addition, the partners will be represented together at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Convention in October 2015.
Consumers can enter the Georgia Pecans/Schwinn Sweepstakes by visiting www.georgiapecan.org beginning April 1, 2015.
“Pecans are one of the healthiest products at the grocery store today,” said Brad Ellis, president of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association. “Pecans are high in antioxidants and are heart healthy. We promote a healthy lifestyle, and that’s why aligning Georgia Pecans with Schwinn is a fantastic fit. With Georgia being the #1 pecan state in the U.S. and Schwinn being the #1 bike brand, this partnership couples two tremendous brands.”
“Good health is all about exercise and nutrition, and Schwinn bicycles provide the exercise, while Georgia Pecans provide the good-for-you nutrition solution,” said Milissa Rick, Global Director of Consumer Activation, Schwinn. “Bicycling is a sport for people of all ages – young, old, male, female, serious athletes, and weekend warriors.”
The Georgia Pecans/Schwinn Sweepstakes will be promoted in a variety of ways, including on video screens in New York’s Times Square. Support will include print advertising, on-pack stickers on pecan packages, social media and Schwinn cross-promotional support. The promotion will also be heavily supported by the Georgia Grown campaign, which represents the statewide interests of Georgia agriculture.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION The Georgia Pecan Growers Association represents hundreds of pecan growers in the top pecan state in the U.S. Previous marketing initiatives from the Association have focused on research and recipe development, among other areas.
ABOUT SCHWINN Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon, building some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBikes.com. Be sure to follow Schwinn on Twitter at @RideSchwinn and like Schwinn on Facebook at Ride Schwinn
Georgia ranks number on in USA pecan pecan shipments and the loads should just keep increasing in coming years. Georgia 
growers have enough new trees in the ground to increase production by about 50 percent between now and 2020.
The state shipped 125 million pounds last season. This year it was thought volume would be around 70-75 million , but that figure has now been revised to least 100 million pounds. Enough new pecan trees are now planted in Georgia to increase loads to 150 million pounds by 2020.
Shipments this year have started 10 days to two weeks earlier thanks to a mild winter, followed by a mild summer.
In May, Georgia pecans were added to the American Heart Association list of certified heart-healthy foods, earning the right to display the AHA Heart-Check mark