NEW ORLEANS—Sprouts Farmers Market maintained its dominance in the Pear Retailer of the Year award, winning for a second year in a row.
The award, presented by the Pear Bureau Northwest, recognizes retailers who implement best practices for increased category sales, including:
- Displaying two green pear varieties;
- Promoting multiple varieties at once;
- Carrying two sizes of top selling varieties;
- Increasing impulse sales with in-store sampling;
- Allocating front-of-store space to pear displays; and
- Training personnel to improve category knowledge.
Dave Howald, western regional manager for USA Pears said Sprouts raised the bar in the pear category with a promotion called ‘Pear-Fection,’ where they created custom signage with large, beautiful displays.
“Sprouts carries an incredible amount of variety for their customers,” he said.
Chad Miller, vice president of produce procurement for Phoenix-based Sprouts, said the company emphasizes training so produce managers are well-equipped to help customers.
“We are known for our knowledgeable team members and provide them continued education on our selection of pears, which translates to enhanced customer engagement with the product,” he said. “Sprouts is very excited to be recognized and to know that the effort of our team members continues to make our stores a trusted destination for pears.”
Past winners of the Pear Retailer of the Year award include:
- Sprouts Farmers Market (2016)
- Wegmans (2015)
- Publix Super Markets (2014)
- Ingles (2013)
- Meijer (2012)
- Market Basket (2011).