Fresh growth: Lynda Pallone on building demand for apples and pears

In an increasingly competitive snacking market, capturing consumer attention has never been more challenging.

At the 2026 APAL Industry Forum, Lynda Pallone, Head of Marketing at Hort Innovation, will showcase how strategic marketing is helping drive demand and strengthen consumer connections within the apples and pears category.

Her presentation, Fresh Growth: Marketing Showcase for Apples & Pears, will highlight standout marketing initiatives and explore how consumer insights are shaping future campaigns and category growth.

As Head of Marketing at Hort Innovation, Lynda leads domestic and international marketing initiatives across Australia’s diverse horticulture sector. Her work supports one of the nation’s most valuable agricultural industries and helps connect consumers with Australian-grown produce both locally and internationally.

With previous senior marketing roles at organisations including Blackmores, Unilever and Mindshare, Lynda brings a wealth of experience in consumer behaviour, brand strategy and campaign development.

For apple and pear growers, understanding modern marketing is no longer simply a matter of advertising products. It is about understanding what motivates consumers, influences purchasing decisions and drives long-term category growth.

The presentation will examine how creative campaigns can cut through a crowded marketplace and encourage consumers to choose fresh fruit as part of their daily lives.

Attendees will gain insights into current consumer trends, emerging purchasing behaviours and the factors influencing demand across different market segments.

Importantly, the session will demonstrate how marketing investments can help create value throughout the supply chain by strengthening consumer awareness and increasing category engagement.

As health, convenience and sustainability continue to shape purchasing decisions, the ability to communicate the benefits of apples and pears effectively is becoming increasingly important.

For growers seeking to understand how industry marketing efforts contribute to demand generation, this session offers a valuable opportunity to see the bigger picture.

By connecting consumer insights with marketing action, Lynda’s presentation will provide a fresh perspective on how the industry can continue building relevance with today’s shoppers.

Join us at the 2026 APAL Industry Forum

This session will be presented at the 2026 APAL Industry Forum, taking place on Monday 27 July 2026 at Zinc at Federation Square, Melbourne. The event brings together growers, packers, marketers and industry leaders from across Australia to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the apple and pear industry.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apal-industry-forum-and-awards-for-excellence-2026-tickets-1980345805614