Japan boosts apple sales with free dental consultation

Japanese organisation of apple farmers, Matsumoto Apple Association, has found a way to boost sales…

Japanese organisation of apple farmers, Matsumoto Apple Association, has found a way to boost sales of their apples. This week they have begun selling apples that come with access to a free 'dental consultation' based on bite marks consumers leave in the fruit.

The ¥200 ($1.60) Dentapple is a Fuji apple with a sticker that contains a QR code. This gives access to a smart phone app.

Those who purchase the product are asked to take four bites of the apple, answer a few questions including the level of pain in the gums or if there was any bleeding, and send the memo along with photos of the bitten apple through the app. A dental hygienist will reply within 24 hours.

The consultation results will include the risk levels of tooth decay and periodontal disease. However, the association cautions that the results don’t represent a complete dental evaluation and aren’t designed to detect every dental problem.

The organization says the product was developed with dentists and can offer an opportunity for busy people to get a quick check up. The Dentapple will be available online and in eight grocery stores in Tokyo. The spokesman said 160 were sold on the first day.