ORLANDO, FL – Roundy's Supermarkets' Produce Category Manager George Hurst has been named the 2014 Mango Retailer of the Year by the National Mango Board.
“The mango industry has many heroes and champions at retail. These retailers are our partners helping support the mango industry year round and have become an essential component in accomplishing our mission to increase fresh mango consumption in the U.S.,” said NMB Executive Director Manuel Michel. “The four finalists for the award really encompass the strong efforts made across the board, making our decision to choose one extremely difficult.”
Each year, the National Mango Board shares that it selects four Model Mango Retailers, one from each region in the United States, to honor for their dedication to growing the mango category. This year's honorees were Chris Keetch of Ahold USA, John Higgins and Mark DeCosta of Costco Wholesale and Ricardo DiMarzio of Shopper’s Food & Pharmacy. According to a press release, the National Mango Board selects these Model Mango Retailers based on several characteristics:
- How well they drive mango sales and increased volume.
- How well they engage in effective, high-quality, creative promotions that connect on multiple levels with shoppers using NMB funding.
- How well they take the initiative to creatively promote mangos without NMB funding, and effectively educate consumers about mangos through displays, POS materials, ads, website, newsletters and other vehicles.
- If they are responsive to NMB communications and follow through on commitments to the NMB.
- If they facilitate mango training programs and inspire associates to handle, merchandise and promote mangos more effectively.
- How in touch they are with changing market forces and if they effectively promote mangos all year long.
Because of his excellence in these categories, Hurst was further honored as 2014 Mango Retailer of the Year at the NMB’s Mango Industry Reception on October 18th during PMA Fresh Summit.
“I’ve never seen a retailer get more excited about selling mangos,” shared Katie Manetti, Retail Account Manager for the NMB. “His enthusiasm is just over the moon, and the more success he has with mangos, the more motivated he is to do even better the next time around.”
Under Hurst's watch, mango volume increased 24% compared to 4% regional growth and 8% national growth. He has outperformed his regional competition in each quarter of the last year, showing a deep commitment to the mango industry and growing the category.
AndNowUKnow would like to congratulate Chris, John, Mark, and George for their impressive accomplishments in the mango category!
