AMELIA ISLAND, FL – At the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s convention in northern Florida, growers and shippers recognized Meijer Inc., for being a key retail buyer of the state’s fruits and vegetables they grow.
During a Sept. 26 awards luncheon, members of the Maitland, FL-based association honored the Grand Rapids, MI-based retail chain its Customer of the Year for its promotion of Florida products. The supermarket chain was lauded for being a valued partner that has worked with growers to promote Florida produce and was commended for its strong commitment to promoting Florida sweet corn.
Meijer featured fresh sweet corn at an affordable price for shoppers that resulted in high volume movement for growers and sales agencies, notes John Long, owner of Palm City, FL-based Agri-Gators Inc. “The Meijer ads outshone all of the other retailers,” according to award nominators. The chain promoted Florida sweet corn every week during the spring harvest season, which makes a big difference in movement. “It’s that kind of commitment that helps keep our industry strong,” says Long.
Meijer officials were unable to attend the award. In a message to FFVA, Becky Shafer, a Meijer buyer, stated the chain is honored to receive the award. “Meijer has been and will continue to be a great supporter of Florida-grown fruits and vegetables,” she said.
Also at the luncheon, the organization awarded its first “Karen and Mike Stuart Humanitarian Award” to Cross Ministries in Lake Worth, FL, which provides food and basic needs assistance to people living in South Florida’s food-insecure and low-income communities. Named in honor of the late Karen Stuart, wife of FFVA president Mike Stuart, the award recognizes organizations for humanitarian work that improves communities and the lives of its residents.
Source: PerishableNews.com