PEAR BUREAU NORTHWEST HOSTS COMMISSARY DISPLAY CONTEST TO RAISE PEAR AWARENESS
Contest attracts international attention as entrants vie for a trip to the Produce Marketing Association convention
PORTLAND, Oregon – June 21, 2011 – Commissaries competed to put the pear on a pedestal this season in an annual display contest sponsored by Pear Bureau Northwest, which honored first place winners with a trip to the 2011 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit convention and exposition. The display contest received more than 90 entries, including seven international entries.
Produce managers called on their creativity to create impressive pear displays, using color, shapes, signage, and props to entice customers to purchase USA Pears. During the six-week contest display period, commissary produce managers were asked to set up and feature their pear display in the produce department for at least two weeks. The commissaries were then judged on their use of multiple varieties of USA Pears, signage, tote bags, POS materials supplied by Pear Bureau Northwest, the theme, and the ease of shopping the display. For judging purposes, the commissaries were divided into eastern and western regions and then categorized by small and large divisions. A first place award was given to one commissary per category, with honorable mention given to one commissary per region.
2011 Pear Bureau Northwest Commissary Display Contest Winners:
Eastern Region
Small Division – Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina
Large Division – Fort Benning, Georgia
Honorable Mention – Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Western Region
Small Division – Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho
Large Division – Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
Honorable Mention – Osan Air Base, South Korea
Produce managers from the first-place commissaries in the small and large divisions will attend the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, October 14–17, 2011.
“We’re pleased to see the increased excitement and competition our commissary display contest generates each season,” said Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO, Kevin Moffitt. “We value our relationship with DeCA and the opportunity it provides to raise awareness of the availability and versatility of fresh pears while inspiring commissary managers to seize unique opportunities within the produce category.”
Operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), commissaries provide groceries to military personnel, retirees, and their families on military bases. Authorized customers purchase goods at cost plus a five percent surcharge, which covers the cost of maintaining and renovating commissaries. This enables military personnel to save an average of 30% or more on groceries when compared to commercial prices. DeCA often works directly with industry organizations to purchase fresh produce to supply their 250 commissaries on military bases around the world.
Bridget Bennett, Produce Specialist at DeCA, said, “Each year our produce managers look forward to participating in their merchandising contest, always surprising us with bigger and better ideas. These promotions go a long way to excite our shoppers, offering a great item at a great price. The Pear Bureau offers an educational trip to the PMA which re-energizes the winners about the world of produce!”
About Pear Bureau Northwest
Pear Bureau Northwest is a non-profit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh USA Pears grown in Washington and Oregon, home to 84% of the US fresh pear crop. The Bureau represents 1,600 growers and develops national and international markets for Northwest pear distribution. For more information, visit www.usapears.org.
About DeCA
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5–percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
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Media Contact
Cristie Mather, Director of Communications
(503) 652-9720
cmather@usapears.com
Pear Bureau Northwest prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, political beliefs, or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Pear Bureau at (503) 652-9720.