Produce Suppliers Recognized At Pink Ribbon Produce Event At PMA Fresh Summit

ANAHEIM, Calif.— Pink Ribbon Produce, a unique retail program committed to the fight against breast cancer, recognized program participants for their donations and commitment to the program since its inception in 2005. To date, the program and its participants have raised over $300,000 towards the fight against breast cancer.

During the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit on Saturday, October 27, over 11 produce suppliers were recognized. Mark Stevens with Meijer stores presented 5 year participation awards to Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, Dole Packaged Salads, Highline Mushroom, Sunset Produce, Paramount Citrus and Southern Specialties. The Top Donor Award for 2012 went to Paramount Citrus.

Awards for participants in Harris Teeter’s Pink Ribbon Produce Program went to Country Fresh, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Fresh Express and Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co. for 5 year participation. The Top Donor Award went to Sunlight International Sales, Inc.

Sunset Produce received the 5 Year Participant and the Top Donor Award for Price Chopper’s Pink Ribbon Produce Program.

In addition to the award ceremony, one of the produce industry’s own, Maggie Bezart, was acknowledged for her many years of support of the program on behalf of the Chilean Avocados Importers Association. This year, Bezart’s commitment to this cause became personal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she was unable to attend the event, she shared a message:

"I would like to thank AugustineIdeas for their continued support and all the vendors that have participated in Pink Ribbon Produce. I encourage more to join the movement. Produce is a key portion of our daily plates, and is recommended by oncology not only for prevention, but to boost the immune system during chemo therapy. So retailers, turn your departments pink by suggesting vendors change their packaging in October, and join us to help find a cure for this disease that will affect eight out of ten women. And for all the strong women in the produce industry that are currently fighting or are survivors, remember: as you walk this journey of the unknown, live in the moment, dance the dance, and take the time to live and love yourself. Everyone is special. Everyone is a survivor."

The educational fundraising program Pink Ribbon Produce, managed by AugustineIdeas, partners the three grocery retailers with produce suppliers to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF). Stores direct shoppers to the participating produce suppliers with a Pink Ribbon Produce icon on posters and point-of-sale signs at the product. In addition to buying selected products to support NBCF, customers can text “Pink HT” for Harris Teeter, “PINK M” for Meijer or “Pink PC” for Price Chopper to 80077 to make a donation.

“Pink Ribbon Produce brings together grocery retailers, produce partners and consumers to support a cause that directly impacts so many women across the United States,” said Debbie Augustine, chief executive officer of AugustineIdeas. “This program gives everyone a tangible way to make a difference, while helping to fund treatments and research for a cure.”

Through various fundraising activities, including Pink Ribbon Produce, NBCF provides funding for research, educational programs and mammograms to women across the country.

Produce partners supporting this year’s Pink Ribbon campaign include:

For more information about Pink Ribbon Produce, visit at http://pinkribbonproduce.org, follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PinkRibbn or “Like” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PinkRibbonProduce.

Harris Teeter

Harris Teeter Inc., with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (NYSE: HTSI). Harris Teeter is the 24th largest supermarket in the U.S. with 2011 sales of $4.29 billion. The regional grocery chain employs approximately 25,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.

Meijer

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Price Chopper Supermarkets

Based in Schenectady, NY, the Golub Corporation owns and operates 130 Price Chopper grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The American owned, family managed company prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. Golub’s 23,000 teammates collectively own 52% of the company’s privately held stock, making it one of the nation’s largest privately held corporations that is predominantly employee owned. For additional information, visit www.pricechopper.com.

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.®

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the National Breast Cancer Foundation's (NBCF) mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. A recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for eight years, NBCF provides women "Help for Today…Hope for Tomorrow®" through its National Mammography Program, Beyond The Shock®, Early Detection Plan, MyNBCF online support community, and breast cancer research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org.

AugustineIdeas

AugustineIdeas is a nontraditional global agency with 16 years of experience providing branding, digital strategy, creative services, social media marketing, public relations, graphic design, shopper marketing and retail activation to clients in a diverse range of industries. The firm is one of the largest and most competitive in Northern California and has more than 40 employees. For more information, visit http://www.augustineideas.com/ or follow us on Twitter at @AugustineIdeas.

Source: AugustineIdeas