Tops Wins Watermelon Display Contest

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), in partnership with the National Watermelon Association (NWA), recently awarded Tops Friendly Markets Grand Prize of their 2016 Watermelon Retail Display Contest.

Now in its 8th year, the contest is used by NWPB to encourage retailers to create displays that showcase the many benefits of watermelon including health, value and versatility.

Tops Friendly Markets – a leading full-service grocery retailer based in the Buffalo, NY area – based their display on the 2016 summer Olympics. The display used whole watermelon, both red and yellow, fresh cut and mini showcasing the many ways to purchase watermelon. With its Rio 2016 focus, the displays also gave a nod to the health benefits of watermelon.

“The Olympic contest was a huge success and the teams really rose to the occasion from a merchandising perspective,” said Jeff Cady, Director of Produce/Floral at Tops Friendly Markets. “We believe contests are a great motivator. Stores get excited, build beautiful displays and earn some cash along the way. Of course, none of it would be possible if it weren’t for our partners, including growers, shippers, commissions and broker partners.”

As the grand prize winner, Tops Friendly Markets will receive $1,000 and an opportunity for two to attend the NWA’s Annual Convention in Lake Tahoe in February 2017. Additionally, nine regional 1st place winners will receive $250 each, nine 2nd place winners will receive $100 and nine regional 3rd places winners will receive $75 each.