USA Rice Federation Presents Retailer of the Year Award to BI-LO

USA Rice Federation presented BI-LO with its Retailer of the Year award last week at the company's headquarters. This honor is given to the chain retailer that displays, merchandises and promotes U.S.-grown rice in creative and profitable ways during September National Rice Month (NRM) and throughout the year. USA Rice provides marketing materials to retailers to help them maximize their promotions.

BI-LO LLC has 207 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The company's promotion activities increased rice sales by 9 percent over last year. The entire BI-LO chain supported the promotion through an internal store display contest, setting U.S. rice displays for a chance to win cash prizes. Weekly ad circulars circulated to 16 million households promoted 31 different U.S. rice products on temporary pricing specials.

"Since South Carolina was the first state to grow rice, we think National Rice Month is a perfect opportunity to promote our rice heritage and get customers excited about eating more U.S. rice," said Tracey Gunther, BI-LO main meal merchandiser.