It’s time to get back in the saddle and start training for the 4th annual Tour de Fresh! From a dream ride route on the beautiful California coast to new and improved sponsorship opportunities, the upcoming 2017 signature event will be one to remember. But don’t just take my word for it, find out why you should get involved and make a difference in a school near you!
What is the Tour de Fresh?
This event makes a huge difference not only in our industry, but for children across the country. The Tour de Fresh is a first-of-its-kind, collaborative event that unites the most significant brands and influencers in the fresh produce industry for a three-day cycling event that raises funds to benefit the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign. Since 2014, the Tour de Fresh has raised almost $500,000 and placed over 150 salad bars in schools across the country. Why salad bars? Because they work. Both academic research and actual experience in schools demonstrate that school children significantly increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables when given a variety of choices in a school salad bar. Plus, the benefit extends beyond the healthy foods – Children learn to make decisions that carry over outside of school, providing a platform for a lifetime of healthy snack and meal choices.
What’s New for the 2017 Event?
In 2017 we’re headed back to the West Coast for one of the best ride routes yet! Starting in Pismo Beach, CA on July 25th and ending in Monterey, CA on July 27th, you can show up to PMA’s Foodservice Conference with almost 200 miles under your belt and a tan (and maybe some sore muscles). Not to mention, the satisfaction of donating a salad bar to your chosen school district and impacting hundreds of students every day. Plus, this year you’ll get to ride alongside road race Olympic medalist Axel Merckx, son of five-time Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx!
What are the 2017 Sponsorship Opportunities?
With over 50 sponsorships, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, you can get involved in a variety of ways. Here’s a few of the top selling sponsorships that are going FAST:
Premier Sponsorship (7 total, 5 left) – $8,000
With this sponsorship, you will receive:
- Two riders on the 2016 Tour de Fresh Team
- Hyperlinked recognition on the homepage and throughout tourdefresh.com
- Mentions in all consumer and industry-focused press releases and media alerts leading up to the ride – The 2014 and 2015 Tours resulted in over 300 press mentions and features.
- At least 5 mentions on each of the Tour de Fresh social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Logo on official Tour de Fresh Team jerseys
- Recognition by emcee at the Finish Line Ceremony in Monterey, CA
- Inclusion on signage at the Finish Line Ceremony in Monterey, CA
- Recognition by emcee at the Closing Party
- Opportunity to include product/promotional material in Official Tour de Fresh duffel bags given to each rider
- Rights to use 2016 Tour de Fresh sponsor badge on digital platforms (will hyperlink to tourdefresh.com) and any print platforms such as ads, tradeshow booths, etc.
- Recognition as a donor to Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools
- And more!
Rider Sponsorship (26 total, 16 left) – $1,500
With this sponsorship, you will receive:
- One rider on the 2016 Tour de Fresh Team
- Recognition on the Rider page of tourdefresh.com
- Mention and link in consumer-focused press release announcing rider participation and school beneficiary selection to local media in/around the community where school is located
- At least 2 mentions on each of the Tour de Fresh social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Three nights hotel accommodations for rider (Tour will cover double occupancy rooms for each rider)
- Meals/snacks for rider each day of the ride and the night before the start
- 1 Official Tour de Fresh Team jersey for rider
- Rights to use 2016 Tour de Fresh sponsor badge on digital platforms (will hyperlink to tourdefresh.com) and any print platforms such as ads, tradeshow booths, etc.
- Recognition as a donor to Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools
If you’re ready to get involved or want to learn more about the Tour de Fresh and 2017 sponsorships, email Kelsey Byrnes at kbyrnes@dma-solutions.com or Brock Nemecek at bnemecek@dma-solutions.com. You can also follow the Tour de Fresh on social media to track this year’s progress!
