Spring Growth & Ingenuity
California Prunes can help maintain a healthy gut in three primary ways: each serving of four prunes delivers a good source of fiber, contains sorbitol which works as a natural laxative, and contains polyphenols that influence the gut microbiome (Attaluri, et al. 2011).
The Importance of Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber benefits the gut microbiota by providing food for the gut’s resident bacteria. This helps maintain a healthy ratio of good bacteria. Fiber is an essential nutrient to maintain proper gut health, which is key to supporting a healthy immune system. However, most people across the globe do not get enough fiber daily. Fiber, along with calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, are all nutrients of public health concern recognized by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA, 2020). Eating more fruits – such as California Prunes – is an easy way to help increase fiber intake. Not only is eating enough fiber important for proper gut health, but it can prevent some cardiovascular diseases and help with maintaining a healthy weight (Jenkins, et al. 2001). California Prunes are a good source of fiber with each serving providing 3 grams of fiber.
Understanding Polyphenols
Research suggests that the effect of prunes in the gut may be mediated by dietary fiber, sorbitol, and phenolic compounds, also known as polyphenols. California Prunes naturally contain polyphenols, which act as antioxidants that protect against DNA damage and inflammation. In fact, one serving of California Prunes has more antioxidants compared to a serving of dried cranberries or dried blueberries (Carlsen, et al. 2010). New research also suggests that polyphenols may also help grow the number of good bacteria in the gut. In a clinical trial with healthy adults, polyphenols were shown to enhance the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus which contribute to gut barrier protection (Lever et al. 2018).
Supporting the First Line of Defense
There is more to California Prunes than meets the eye – prunes are not only an easy snack that is ideal for on the go, but each serving contains 3g of fiber to support good gut health, powerful antioxidants to prevent cellular damage, and vitamin B6 and copper, both of which are needed for proper immune health. Optimizing nutrient intake, combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and managing stress all support the first line of defense – the immune system.
In summary, a healthy diet has a role to play in optimum gut health and immunity. Nutrient-packed California Prunes are a smart addition to a healthy diet at every age and every stage!
In the U.S., CPB created a digital recipe guide designed to spark curiosity and provide inspiration to key media contacts throughout the winter season and beyond. For added surprise, the team gifted California Prunes Panforte, a traditional Italian treat, created by a local artisan, to more than 20 editors who attended a Home for the Holidays event earlier this year.
Additionally, 7 social media influencers were sent surprise & delight boxes that featured customized notecards with beautiful California Prune recipe imagery, Panforte, local coffee to enjoy together, and other goodies with an invite to create recipes that showcased California Prunes as a premium ingredient. The campaign increases usage by encouraging existing prune consumers to incorporate prunes into their baking and to create “gateway recipes” that would appeal to potential new consumers. The campaign reached 5.4M million potential consumers and generated 18.5K engagements.
While stay-at-home orders this holiday season had consumers revisiting their kitchens, the marketing teams seized the opportunity to add value to influencers, create new content and engage new consumers.
Within each issue of the newsletter, readers will receive highlights of peer-reviewed research, delicious and on-trend recipes and usage ideas, and nutrition insights about California Prunes.This global approach is reaching influential audiences, so they are equipped to share about the wonders of California Prunes with their clients, patients, and colleagues. The strategy focuses on the benefits of California Prunes every day and at every stage of life, shining a spotlight on the bone and gut health-boosting attributes of California Prunes. Supported by engaging visuals of California Prune recipes, the newsletter provides expert input from Registered Dietitian Leslie Bonci, along with the latest in bone health nutrition research, bone and gut health facts, and delicious inspiration for incorporating California Prunes into a daily diet.
Know someone who should be receiving a newsletter dedicated to the numerous health and nutrition benefits of California Prunes? Pass along our sign-up!
Japan TV ads see continued sales increase
Beginning April 3, 2021, the second flight of the “Blessings of California” TVCM returns to Japanese TV screens for 16 days. Historically, Spring has been a high-performing season for California Prune sales in Japan, making the Spring campaign even more impactful than the Fall campaign. The advertisement will reach 40.9 million Japanese consumers in three major metropolitan areas and four regional hubs. The creative communicates the heritage, quality, and nutritional benefits of California Prunes to Japanese consumers who relish premium quality prunes.
As indicated by POS data (Nikkei POS Vision), retail sales jumped 11.4% year-over-year during the Fall campaign period. To date, California Prunes sales have stayed on a growth trajectory with retail sales growing 11.8% year-over-year, on average, nationally for five consecutive months since the 2020 Fall TVCM campaign. With the additional support of the Spring campaign, CPB Japan expects even stronger results over the next few months.
Bone Health News Roundup
These Sweet Treats Prevent Bone and Hair Loss and Can Help You Lose Weight, Woman’s World
Study shows diet of prunes prevents bone loss associated with spinal cord injury, Appeal-Democrat. The story was also picked up on Yahoo! News.
California Prunes highlights bone health, Fresh Produce
California Prunes Celebrating National Nutrition Month on Daytime, Daytime
California hosts International Prune Association Congress
California is pleased to host the 2021 IPA Congress, which will be held virtually for the first time in its history. Join us as handler and grower panels share perspectives about the prune industry’s current position in the marketplace, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for future success. Be inspired by a paired culinary-and-nutrition presentation. Hear from the lead scientist as she presents preliminary findings from the long-awaited Penn State University bone health clinical trial. And, be informed as a leading meteorologist provides global modeling predictions for weather patterns affecting our individual prune growing regions. For more details, register here.