West Pak’s Marketing Manager George Henderson shares the process of receiving the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heart-Check designation making the organization’s new bagged brands a heart-healthy staple in the retail aisle.
Q: Will you tell us, which brands of West Pak currently have the AHA Heart-Check designation?
George: West Pak is honored to have four of our brands earn the AHA Heart-Check certification: I Love Avocados, Lil’Cados, California Gold, and Viva Avocados.
Q: What does the AHA Heart-Check designation mean for avocados and the produce industry?
George: Earning the Heart-Check designation is a big deal for the avocado industry! Worldwide, the avocado space has experienced such continued growth year over year. Having earned the Heart-Check certification has only solidified the “avocado love affair” that heavy and super users experience, while also converting light avocado consumers to the power of the “superfruit.” It’s all about making sensible diet and recipe choices, and the Heart-Check designation helps all consumers make informed decisions.
Q: What type of process did you have to go through to receive this recognition?
George: The FDA “heart-healthy” designation was a long time coming. The redefinition between good (unsaturated) and bad (saturated) fats is in line with the FDA’s recent guidelines to redefine the “healthy” nutrient content claim.
Q: Where is this Heart-Check logo placed on the packaging?
George: The Heart-Check logo is prominently found on the front top area of all of our certified brands. The Heart-Check designation logo really helps consumers “at-a-quick-glance” reliably choose heart-healthy foods and to prepare sensible eating recipes.
Q: For consumers, does this help them choose more wisely which avocados they hand-select?
George: Without a doubt! For consumers, this certification claim really resonates with them and their healthy-eating lifestyle decisions. For example, did you know that 75% of consumers report that they are familiar with the Heart-Check symbol? And, 75% of consumers also say they are more likely to purchase foods that feature the Heart-Check mark, regardless of age or number of kids in their household.
Q: How does West Pak celebrate its Heart-Check designation for each brand?
George: Here at West Pak, we are genuinely passionate about avocados. Throughout the year we take any opportunity to promote the fantastic heart-healthy qualities of our branded avocados. We do this through our packaging, through retail support, and sharing healthy facts and findings through our brand social media channels. During February (heart awareness month), we especially concentrate on the health benefits of avocados to help address the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
If we can give customers another reason to enjoy delicious avocados while making healthy decisions for themselves and/or the families, that’s what it’s really about!
About George
As West Pak’s Marketing Manager George Henderson in an innovative and accomplished hands-on Creative Director with over ten years of experience in print, web, multimedia, and corporate communications.
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