4th Annual National Retail Beef Backer Awards Presented
“I'm continuously amazed and impressed with the initiatives these innovative, industry-leading retailers take in their stores to increase beef demand and sales,” noted Margie Hande, a cow-calf operator in Amidon, N.D., and chair of the Beef Checkoff's retail committee. “With more than 50 percent of all domestic beef volume in the United States sold through the retail channel, we encourage grocers to use tactics that leverage checkoff investments and expand the placement, overall use and visibility of beef for their customers.”
Winners were chosen for their excellence in promotional partnerships, beef merchandising and education programs. A third-party judging panel additionally evaluated the retailers’ support of such beef checkoff-funded initiatives as “Beef Alternative Merchandising,” “Hispanic Marketing,” “Easy Fresh Cooking,” “Beef Training Camp,” “Summer Grilling” and “Holiday Roast” initiatives, as well as store-specific campaigns.
Details of the winners are as follows:
Independent Retailer-Broulim's Fresh Foods: The eastern Idaho grocer has built a successful beef program distinguished by the highest-quality meat products and a commitment to superior service, value, innovation and safety.
Midsize Retailer-Sentry: The Wisconsin chain of 26 independently owned and operated stores focuses on delivering strong customer service and quality perishables.
Large Chain Retailer-Harris Teeter Inc.: This two-time category winner, based in Matthews, N.C., continues to break down barriers between consumers and the meat case.
Innovator of the Year-HAC Inc.: The operator of Homeland Stores, United Stores and Country Mart in Oklahoma and Kansas, Edmond, Okla.-based HAC was recognized for its aggressive campaign to launch the Red River Ranch Angus Beef brand and explore new beef merchandising opportunities.
Begun in 2006, the National Retail Beef Backer Awards program recognizes the partnership between U.S. beef-producing families and its grocery partners, and encourages other grocers to become more involved in the marketing and promotion of beef. To enter the 2011 contest, retailers can contact their state beef council or visit BeefRetail.org.
The Beef Checkoff Program, established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill, assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, along with a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Centennial, Colo.-based Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.