College students from around the world compete in ‘Beach Bash Dash’ obstacle course and “banana dance.”
Hundreds of Spring Breakers from around the world took part in the first Del Monte Fresh “Beach Bash Dash” in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The event was part of a new campaign to promote healthful eating habits among college students, in response to growing concerns that youths aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables. The students competed head-to-head in a beach obstacle course that included a variety of “healthy, fun” challenges, enjoyed cool prizes and of course plenty of bananas. Students even participated in a massive “Banana Dance” featuring Del Monte’s famous full-body banana suits.
Race times were kept only for bragging rights, a privilege the participants with the fastest completion times fully exploited in Daytona and on their social media channels. The event built tremendous hype in Daytona and in social media, with students talking about the competition and sporting their super-sweet Del Monte Fresh giveaways, including sunglasses and “survivor” buffs, themed t-shirts and tank-tops with messages like: “Wanna Get Fresh?”.
In addition to the giveaways at the obstacle course, Del Monte Fresh distributed nearly 10,000 bananas and fresh-cut pineapple spears throughout the six-day period.
“We chose to bring a healthy aspect to Spring Break and we are pleased that our strategy was successful – students and other beach-goers were engaged in the healthy fun and gravitated toward our message that fruits are critical for good health and part of an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing with Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A.
