Orlando, Fla. – The National Mango Board (NMB) honored four retailers for being the “best of the best” in mango retailing and providing outstanding support and promotion for mangos. The winners were announced at the NMB’s Mango Industry Reception on October 27th during PMA Fresh Summit.
Through this new program in 2012, the NMB identified four Mango Model Retailers from across the country, and selected one of these as the Mango Retailer of the Year. According to NMB Executive Director William Watson, choosing the winners was a real challenge. “The mango industry has many heroes and champions at retail. It’s exciting to see how much support we get, especially compared to just a few years ago,” said Watson.
2012 Mango Retailer of the Year:
· Dominic Pelosi, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
2012 Mango Model Retailers:
· John Savidan and Keith Tsuchiyama, Bristol Farms
· Lee Arthur, The Fresh Market
· Jim Wood, Schnucks
The following criteria were used to select the Mango Model Retailers and the Mango Retailer of the Year:
· Produce impressive mango sales and volume increases
· Follow through on commitments to NMB programs and provide results at the close of each funded promotion
· Educate consumers about mangos through display, POS materials, ads, website, newsletters and other vehicles
· Facilitate mango training and inspire associates to handle, merchandise and promote mangos more effectively
· Be aware of market forces, work with the industry through difficult supply periods and promote mangos in all seasons
· Engage in effective, high-quality, creative promotions that connect with shoppers on multiple levels
“Many of our relationships with retailers have moved beyond just funded promotions. These retailers are our partners and they help support the mango industry year round,” said NMB Director of Marketing Megan McKenna. Based on the success of the Mango Retailer of the Year program in its first year, the NMB plans to continue it in 2013.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is a national promotion and research organization, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. One cup of mango is only 100 calories, an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango availability per capita has increased 35% since 2005 to an estimated 2.53 pounds per year in 2011. Mango import volume for 2011 was 810 million pounds. Learn more at www.mango.org.
Source: National Mango Board
