The National Mango Board 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  Oct. 27 during the Produce Marketing Association's 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," he said in a press release. "It’s exciting to see how much support we get, especially compared to just a few years ago.”

The 2012 Mango Retailer of the Year is Dominic Pelosi of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc., and the 2012 Mango Model Retailers are John Savidan and Keith Tsuchiyama of Bristol Farms, Lee Arthur of The Fresh Market and Jim Wood of 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, point-of-sale 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," NMB Director of Marketing Megan McKenna said in the press release. "These retailers are our partners and they help support the mango industry year round.”

Based on the success of the Mango Retailer of the Year program in its first year, the NMB plans to continue it in 2013.