The Goodness Gang, a range of fruit and vegetable plushies consisting of eight characters, aims to educate and promote healthy eating amongst grades RR to grade three learners in a fun, and interactive, way. These characters are; Olly Orange, Sally Strawberry, Benny Banana, Pumi Pea, Bongi Blueberry, Manny Mushroom, Betty Broccoli, and Adam Apple.
Brian Coppin, CEO of Food Lover’s Market, says, “We had very positive feedback from shoppers in the Western Cape and we were delighted by their enthusiasm to collect the characters and teach their children about good nutrition."
"Based on the feedback and success at stores, we decided to launch the extended Goodness Gang family nationwide, as well as in Namibia – the campaign will run from Monday, 12 June to Sunday, 12 November. The last day to redeem Goodness Gang plushies will be on Sunday, 26 November,” he adds.
To reinforce the message of healthy eating and nutrition, the Goodness Gang mascots will be visiting stores and schools over the next few months, and selected schools will be visited by the Goodness Gang puppet show.
The Goodness Gang characters are collected by customers spending a minimum of R50 in Food Lovers Market stores, which will earn shoppers one sticker. Stickers must be affixed to Goodness Gang collector cards, which will be available at branded stands in participating Food Lover’s Market stores nationwide.
A Goodness Gang plushie can be redeemed once the collector card has been filled with 70 stickers, but customers can also buy a character after collecting 30 stickers for only R59.99. Alternatively, the Goodness Gang characters can be bought at the full retail price of R199.99 each.
“Our aim is to encourage kids to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and the Goodness Gang campaign provided us with this opportunity when it ran in the Western Cape last year. It certainly added a fun, and educational, approach to fresh produce for kids, and adults, alike. That is why we’re looking forward to introducing the new Goodness Gang characters to all Food Lover’s Market shoppers in South Africa and Namibia,” adds Coppin.
Sister brand, FreshStop, has also introduced their own range of Goodness Gang Mini characters at all FreshStop at Caltex stores countrywide. FreshStop's strategic focus has been to offer customers high-quality food at low prices – this includes a range of healthy options, which includes biltong, nuts, fruit, smoothies, and freshly made salads.
A select few stores also offer freshly pressed juices, and the ‘We ♥ Health’ grocery selection offers a myriad of healthy products for sale.
Joe Boyle, director at FreshStop, adds, “The focus on providing customers with a healthy offering is very important to us. Health and sustainability have become even more important, as ease, time, and space efficient offerings blend with on-the-go lifestyles. We are pleased with how well the ‘We ♥ Health’ range is doing with customers."
To collect Goodness Gang Minis, spend a minimum of R30 at any FreshStop at Caltex convenience stores to earn a sticker. The stickers simply need to be affixed to the collector card. Fifty stickers allow for one Goodness Gang Mini to be redeemed.
Shoppers will also have the option of collecting 25 stickers and buying a Goodness Gang Mini at a reduced price of R29.99, or at the full retail price of R89.99. Goodness Gang Minis are currently available at FreshStop.
The Food Lover’s Market and Freshstop Goodness Gang promotions are independent of each other, and stickers cannot be shared between the two offers.
For more information, visit www.foodloversmarket.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.