The children’s entertainers join national push to get children eating more fruit and veg
Australia’s fresh produce industry has teamed up with children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, in an unprecedented national campaign to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables.
The campaign was launched today in Brisbane by the International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand (IFPA ANZ) at Hort Connections – the industry’s annual flagship conference attended by more than 4,000 growers and industry leaders.
It comes as new research reveals that while two-thirds of Australian parents say it’s very important that their children eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, less than half say that fruit and veg actually make up most of their child’s snacks.
The research, conducted by IFPA ANZ in seven countries, also found Australian parents are less likely than international parents to think it’s very important that children eat the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables.
With the catchy tagline “Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy” tying in with The Wiggles’ hit song, “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy”, the campaign aims to be joyful and energetic and inspire a life-long love of fruit and vegetables among children.
Driven by evidence and created by industry for industry, the campaign will roll out nationwide across digital, social and retail channels, at concerts and through colourful resources to promote fruit and vegetables in an age-appropriate, educational and positive way.
OG Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said the collaboration was a natural fit, given The Wiggles’ long-standing relationship with Australia’s fruit and vegetable industry with their iconic songs for children that celebrate fresh food.
“We’re so excited to be part of this campaign and to support the mission of helping children eat more fruits and vegetables,” he said. “With more than 30 years of singing songs like ‘Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy’ and ‘Hot Potato’, this partnership takes our commitment even further, really showing children just how fun and delicious healthy eating can be.”
IFPA managing director ANZ Belinda Wilson said the campaign aimed to support Australian growers and drive consumption by nurturing a life-long love for fruit and veg among children.
“Our research shows that Australian parents are already involving their children in food preparation and decision-making from an early age. By partnering with The Wiggles, we’re building on that foundation to help children fall in love with fruit and vegetables and encourage them to ask for them at the supermarket,” she said.
