National Apple Month is the only national, generic apple promotion conducted in the United States. Originally founded in 1904 as National Apple Week, it was expanded in 1996 to a three-month promotional window from September through November. National Apple Month's mission is to increase apple industry sales, and to enhance consumer awareness and usage of apples and apple products. Its goal is to increase apple industry sales through a fall retail display contest, foodservice promotional contest, and to develop strong relations with retail, foodservice and apple industry members.

National Apple Month has two major components.

• Retail component of the program involves fall display contests for retailers and military commissaries, in which retailers can vie for cash prizes by submitting details on store displays that meet the judging criteria. Additionally, an Apple Merchandiser of the Year is crowned for outstanding merchandising of apples and apple products throughout the year.

• Foodservice utilizes the media and direct outreach to connect with various segments of the industry, communicating pertinent information regarding menus applications, value of the apple and apple products and current product information. Foodservice operators are chosen for recognition based on the use of apples and apple products in menus throughout the year.

National Apple Month is a restricted-fund (financially self-supporting) program of the U.S. Apple Association. The program is funded by sponsorship revenue, and voluntary membership dues collected from industry members. If you are interested in supporting or participating in National Apple Month promotions, please contact National Apple Month Director Kay Swartz Rentzel at ksrentzel@aol.com.

For more information on the 2007 National Apple Month program, including a registration form, CLICK HERE