Marketing snapshot - Hortlink 2017, edition 2

This Hort Innovation Chestnut Fund marketing snapshot has been taken from Hort Innovation’s Hortlink 2017, edition 2.

With the season underway, a key focus for Hort Innovation in the marketing space has been the development of the consumer-facing side of the industry’s website, www.chestnutsaustralia.com.au, which has now gone live.

For consumers, the website highlights chestnut recipes, health benefits, news, events and more – providing inspiration, practical tips and everything needed to enjoy Australian chestnuts. It also hosts this recipe brochure, described in the last edition of Hortlink.

In the event space, chestnuts had a presence at the Wandiligong Nut Festival, held in April in Victoria. Being the only nut-focused festival of its kind in Australia, chestnuts featured heavily. There was a strong contingent of growers showcasing the product and roasting nuts for the many people who came through (the area is known for its high rate of tourists from the major capital cities).

Chesnuts were also represented at the six-day La Fiera Italian Festival, held in May in Myrtleford, Victoria. On behalf of the chestnut industry, chef Stefano Manfredi hosted a popular cooking demonstration at the event, showing how to prepare and cook Australian Chestnuts in simple, easy and delicious meals. Stefano also showcased chestnuts in a four-course ‘harvest feast’ dinner as part of the festival.

In addition, La Fiera attendees could see and smell Australian chestnuts roasting over an open fire – stopping by the set-up to have a taste, purchase fresh and roasted product, and learn about all things chestnuts. This was a great opportunity to get the chestnut message out there, and to reach people who had never tried the nut before.