Press Releases

MEXICO’S AVOCADO AMBASSADOR MISS AVA CADO URGES CANADIANS TO JOIN HER IN HER MISSION TO MAKE CINCO DE MAYO A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Thursday, April 7th, 2011 Toronto, Ontario – Today, Miss Ava Cado, Mexico’s sultry avocado ambassador, is launching a vote to make Cinco de Mayo – which literally means May 5th – a national holiday across Canada. Celebrated extensively throughout the world, this day of festivities commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces during the battle of Puebla in 1862. “Cinco de Mayo is a fabulous day where friends and family gather to indulge in Mexico’s festive music, dancing, culture and of course delicious food. I have made it my mission to tell everyone about the celebration and do everything in my power to make it a national holiday for all to enjoy!” Miss Ava Cado urges anyone who wishes to make Cinco de Mayo a national holiday to cast their vote at www.missavacado.com.

“I’m so thrilled that most Canadians (80%) are familiar with my homeland’s favourite fruit – the delicious avocado – which is enjoyed during many Mexican celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo. It’s such a pleasure to learn that my Canadian friends use them in such a variety of dishes such as guacamole (45%), in salads (40%), in sandwiches (27%) and in a half shell with a spoon (24%). To help celebrate all special occasions throughout season, I’ve created new festive and irresistible recipes such as Spicy Prawns with Avocado Spread and Meatball Kebabs with Avocado Tzatziki. For these and other recipe ideas, visit www.missavacado.com.”

How to throw an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo party

Planning a fabulous Cinco de Mayo party is easy – Miss Ava Cado suggests following these simple steps:

• Décor; vibrant colours are key in planning décor. If the weather is nice, the party can be taken outdoors with picnic tables dressed in vibrant tablecloths or traditional Mexican blankets. If multicoloured holiday lights are available, they can add sparkle to backyard trees or banisters, while guests can be encouraged to wear festive sombreros. As the sun sets, tea light candles can be inserted into small mosaic bowls for a touch of glamour.
• Music; Mexican music is a must for any Cinco de Mayo party. Simply download some favourites from an online source or purchase inexpensive themed cds from a music store. Remember to capture your memories by taking plenty of pictures as your guests dance the night away.
• Food and drinks; fresh and flavourful Mexican dishes can be set-up as a buffet to ensure the host can enjoy time with guests. As part of the spread, Chef Juan Salinas recommends preparing an abundance of Canada’s most popular avocado dish – Classic Guacamole. Simply combine 1 cup of diced sweet onion, ¼ cup of minced seeded jalapeno peppers, 3 ripe avocados from Mexico, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional), 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tsp of minced garlic, 1 tsp of coarse salt and ½ tsp fresh cracker pepper. Serve with multicoloured tortilla chips and extra lime wedges.

Avocados – a source of nutritional goodness

Avocados are packed with nearly 20 essential nutrients, earning this fruit the reputation of a nutritional superhero. Miss Ava Cado is delighted that Canadians are aware of some of the health benefits of her beloved fruit. “Sixty four per cent (64%) of Canadians know that avocados contain good fats, but many don’t know that they are high in potassium (91%) and that they have the highest amount of fibre among all fruits (80%),” says Miss Ava Cado.

“High fibre diets not only promote regularity, but may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The recommended daily fibre intake is 25 g for women and 38 g for men. However, most Canadians fall short of these numbers. On average, men consume about 19 grams of fibre per day and women just 16 grams,” says Cara Rosenbloom, a Toronto-based registered dietitian. “A quarter of an average sized avocado – just 50 grams – contains seven grams of fibre, which is a great start to reaching your daily fibre goal.” For a quick, high-fibre breakfast on the run that is free of lactose, try making a delectable Walnut Key Lime Pie Smoothie made with half an avocado. For the recipe, visit www.missavacado.com.

Chance to win an Avocados from Mexico Cinco de Mayo party

Ontarians are invited to sign up at www.missavacado.com for a chance to win a Cinco de Mayo party at Cirillo’s Culinary Academy for a lucky winner and seven friends. On Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, 2011, Chef John Cirillo will prepare an authentic Mexican meal made with avocados from Mexico, along with refreshing beverages. The evening will be filled with festive decorations, Mexican music and lots of fun. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011.

Superior Mexican avocados are always in season

Avocados from Mexico, used exclusively by some of the best chefs in the world, are recognized for their premium flavour and rich creamy texture. Grown in the lush countryside of Mexico’s central state Michoacán, the avocados naturally flourish in the area’s rich volcanic soil, semitropical temperatures and perfect combination of sun and rain. Mexico is the only place in the world where a single avocado tree naturally bears fruit four times per year, so their distinctly delicious flavour and texture is always in season.

About Avocados from Mexico and APEAM

APEAM, (Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers Association of Michoacán) a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 to represent the Hass avocado industry from the Mexican state of Michoacán export program. APEAM, is dedicated to developing and implementing stringent quality measures to ensure the production of the finest avocados available anywhere, worldwide. APEAM currently represents nearly 7,000 growers and 34 packers in the state of Michoacán, the heart of Mexico’s main avocado growing region.

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For more information or to arrange an interview with Chef Salinas or Miss Ava Cado, please contact:

Jennifer Potvin
Faye Clack Communications
Tel: (905) 206-0577, ext 223
Email: jpotvin@fayeclack.com

Irit Shtock
Faye Clack Communications
Tel: (905) 206-0577, ext 224
Email: ishtock@fayeclack.com

Survey Methodology
The online survey was conducted by Angus Reid between March1st and March 3rd, 2011. A total of 1,004 adult Canadians who are the primary grocery shoppers for their household were sampled. The margin of error for this sample size is +/-3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.