US farmers hire movie stars to sell nuts in Asia
February 28, 2011 03:09 pm
BAKERSFIELD, California: California nut growers have hired a number of Asian celebrities to help them sell more of their products overseas.
US agricultural exports hit an all-time high of nearly $116 billion last year, and for the first time, China was the largest market, surpassing Canada, reports Associated Press news agency.
To grab more of that market, the Almond Board of California has hired Chinese movie star Gao Yuan Yuan as its official ambassador to China. She is appearing in a documentary and television series about her travels to California’s almond country. She’s also featured in print ads and billboards in China.
The Almond Board has hired Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor to promote the nuts in her native India. She’s appearing in television spots aimed at convincing Indians to eat almonds as a healthy snack.
