American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently staged an in-store promotion at supermarkets in Beijing and Shanghai to improve awareness of American pistachios among Chinese consumers. APG is an association of pistachio growers, processors and industry partners in California, Arizona and New Mexico.

In the supermarkets, shoppers not only tasted pistachios, but also talked to the American pistachio growers. They also took photos with 2011's Miss California, Noelle Freeman, and were given autographed cards.

"Since I'm busy preparing for Miss USA 2012 campaign, I need to pay attention to my diet. American pistachios are my ideal snack, because they are filling and are rich in nutrition," Freeman says.