American Pecan Council Launches Pronunciation Debate as Sales Increase Ahead of Holidays
The American Pecan Council is launching The Super Safe Pecan Debate, the partisan issue you can passionately argue without risking your invitation to next year’s family gathering: Is that delicious pie “PEA-can” or puh-CON?”
Pecan fans from across the country are invited to visit Pecan Debate’s website, cast your vote for “PEA-can” or “puh-CON,” and share your pronunciation with pride using #pecandebate. Once you’ve hit the virtual pecan polls, enter for a chance to win one of 300 limited-edition pecan snacking blankets that feature the two pronunciations on opposite sides.
In addition to showing off your “PEA-can” or “puh-CON” preference with pride, the pecan snacking blankets may be this holiday season’s nuttiest accessory, complete with a pocket for holding fresh pecans. The winners of the pecan snacking blankets will also receive a snack pack of fresh pecans and recipes for delicious and nutritious holiday snacks.
Pecans are a holiday staple used in both traditional recipes and snacks and demand for the nut has continued to increase this year. As consumers embrace trends like cooking at home and healthy snacking, pecans sales have increased. From September 2019 – August 2020, US pecan sales rose 17 percent compared to the previous year.
“2020 has given us a lot to discuss – and even more topics to avoid at this year’s Thanksgiving table – but ‘puh-CON’ vs. ‘PEA-can’ is one debate you can safely bring up with family and friends. With voting top of mind, we knew it was the perfect time to re-ignite the age-old pecan pronunciation question,” said Alex Ott, Executive Director of the American Pecan Council. “Even across the 15 pecan-growing states from California to the Carolinas, growers and shellers themselves say it differently. So we’re asking America to help us settle it once and for all and encourage everyone to join in on this fun, light-hearted debate. But no matter how you say them, we can all agree that pecans belong on every Thanksgiving table.”
The promotion occurs from Tuesday, Oct. 27 through Friday, Nov. 6. Fans can also share your personal pecan perspective by using #pecandebate and tagging @AmericanPecan on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
The poll results will be announced before Thanksgiving, and the winners of the blanket and pecan snack pack will be notified after the giveaway has closed.