Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
April 23, 2003
U of G students win agri-marketing competition
University of Guelph students are the first Canadian team to win a North American agri-marketing competition. Ten U of G students defeated more than 35 university teams in the National Agri-Marketing Association student marketing competition held in San Diego, California, April 15 to 17. They won with their marketing plan for a sliced apple snack called Apple Dunks.
Each team developed and presented a complete marketing plan for an agricultural product, service or commodity marketed to farmers or by a farmer co-operative. The U of G team portrayed the Ontario Apple Co-operative.
In creating their marketing plan for Apple Dunks, a fresh apple snack convenient for children's lunches, the students consulted U of G food scientists who are developing a mineral and vitamin solution that prevents browning in apples. After being processed into slices, the apples are preserved in the solution and packaged. For greater appeal to children, the team proposed including a flavoured dipping sauce.
"We were absolutely ecstatic to win the competition, and being the first Canadian team to win was like the icing on the cake," said team member Kerry Alexander.
The team showed how apple growers in the co-operative would receive a dividend of $20,000 after Apple Dunks is on the market for three years.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
