Mango Mania Display Contest Winners Announced

The winners of more than $10,000 in cash prizes have been announced for the Mango Mania Display Contest for Small Retailers with up to 50 stores, sponsored by the National Mango Board (NMB). Twenty-seven produce departments across the country will receive prizes based on their outstanding mango displays. The contest resulted in a 104% increase in mango volume amongst participating stores compared to same time last year. “It’s exciting to see what these smaller retailers can bring to the table,” says William Watson, NMB executive director. “As a group, the stores that entered the contest more than doubled their mango volume over the same period in 2011, which really shows how powerful a creative display can be for moving mangos.” In its second year, the annual contest is designed to engage and reward smaller retailers by encouraging them to build incredible mango displays. Participating stores were asked to place them for at least seven days during the month of July 2012. Retailers who requested contest kits received a packet of point-of-sale materials for each store, which included cutting, selection and nutrition messages, as well as easy recipe ideas for mangos. Participants were also encouraged to think outside the box and add their own messaging and props. Entries were judged based on creativity of the display, visual appeal and effectiveness in educating shoppers about mangos. This year, the judges were blown away by the entrants. Megan McKenna, director of marketing of the NMB, was pleased to find that stores went the extra mile and incorporated great education elements, saying “Many of the stores moved beyond building a big beautiful display to really connect with consumers and teach them about mangos.” The following produce department managers will be awarded prizes in the 2012 Mango Mania Display Contest. Ten or more cash registers 1st place, $1000 prize: Tamara Michalak, Arlington Haggen, Arlington, Wash. 2nd place, $750 prize: Kevin Thompson, Price Rite 361 Chicopee, Chicopee, Mass. 3rd place, $500 prize: Erin Niedbalski, Martins Supermarket, Elkhart, Ind. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="340" caption="Tamara Michalak, Arlington Haggen, Arlington, Wash."][/caption] Six to nine cash registers 1st place, $1000 prize: Robert Earls, C.V's Family Foods, Danville, Ark. 2nd place, $750 prize: Andy White, Hithchcocks 6359, Williston, Haw. 3rd place, $500 prize: Marc Walhavist, Superlo Spottswood, Memphis, Tenn. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="338" caption="Robert Earls, C.V's Family Foods, Danville, Ark."][/caption] One to five cash registers 1st place, $1000 prize: Kathie Hice, C.V's Family Foods, Booneville, Ark. 2nd place, $750 prize: Angela Nelano, Arlington Food Pavilion 33, Arlington, Wash. 3rd place, $500 prize: Ronnie Bradley, C.V's Family Foods, Paris, Ark. Kathic Hice, C.V's Family Foods, Booneville, Ark. In addition to those listed, six produce department managers in each of the three categories were awarded honorable mention prizes worth $200. For a complete list of all winners, visit www.mango.org/contest.