Using over 2,000 pounds of fresh grapes to create a 19-foot-by-11-foot display enabled Lee’s Marketplace, an Associated Food Stores retail member in Logan, Utah, to take the grand prize honors in C.H. Robinson’s first annual Hawaii Vacation Give-Away display contest.

“We all enjoyed the exciting atmosphere of having the display in our store,” said Jarom Bernhardt, Lee’s Marketplace produce manager. “Our goal was to get grapes into every cart that came through the door. It was fun to see our guests stop as they came through the front doors, take pictures with their camera phones and stock up on grapes.”

C.H. Robinson, one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset-based third-party logistics companies in the world, invited members of Associated Food Stores to participate in the Hawaii Vacation Give-Away contest, which ran for two weeks in August. Over 15 retailers participated in the display contest, which was judged by C.H. Robinson’s Phoenix branch.

Selecting a winner “was an extremely tough decision,” noted Kim Smith, Southwest regional sales manager for Minneapolis-based C.H. Robinson. “We were very impressed with everyone’s creativity, and a lot of thought and effort went into them. This was a lot of fun to judge.”

C.H. Robinson also ranked four other Utah-based retailers in first through fourth place, respectively: Winegar’s Roy, Macey’s Providence, Macey’s Pleasant Grove and Winegar’s Clearfield.

Bud Floyd, C.H. Robinson’s VP of produce marketing, said: “Both retailers and consumers enjoyed this contest. We look forward to even greater participation next year.”