ORLANDO, Fla.—After several years of finishing close to the top, Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market finally took home the Pear Retailer of the Year.
The Milwaukie, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest announced the award on the trade show floor at Fresh Summit on Oct. 15. The award is based on category improvements, merchandising performance and sales increases.
“We started it to recognize retailers doing a great job,” said Kevin Moffitt, Pear Bureau president and CEO. “We also share their best practices with other retailers. The idea is to motivate others.”
Sprouts has been after the award since it was created, Moffitt said.
“This award really is motivating retailers,” he said. “After four years we’re starting to get a little more competition. Some of our other retailers are saying what do I need to do to get this award, so it is driving the category and has been successful.
Chad Miller, vice president of produce procurement, said Sprouts has been competitive about winning, but the program also has helped the company develop great grower partnerships and focus on its pear category.
“Now we’ve already set another goal to go back-to-back,” Miller said.