US: Frieda's celebrates 50th anniversary

Frieda’s celebrated its 50th Anniversary, yesterday, April 2, 2012, this come just after being selected as Kroger’s Central Division's 2011 Vendor of the Year for Produce Merchandising on February 29th. The Central Division of Kroger awards vendors each year for their efforts in increasing Kroger’s business and customer service.

"This was such an unexpected honor and a great way to start off our 50th year in business," said Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Frieda’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

During the awards ceremony in Indianapolis on February 29th, Frieda’s was recognized for its partnership, commitment and innovation, with an emphasis on the successful Frieda’s Produce University promotion that took place at all Kroger Central stores in November 2011. The two-part promotion began with an in-depth produce manager training seminar, followed by a store-level customer engagement event led by each produce manager.

"Their creativity and innovation in produce is unsurpassed," said Gregg Proctor, Produce Merchandiser for Kroger Central. "Their marketing team coordinated communication and advertising with all of the food editors in all of our markets. In addition, they utilized social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as many of the bloggers in our area, and got the message out to our customers about a unique event in our stores."

Wiggins explained that the success of the promotion was due, in part, to the commitment from the top of the company. "Gregg’s whole produce team was 100% engaged in the promotion, making it very easy for the stores to connect with their shoppers and build specialty produce sales."

"There are a lot of companies that help us every day to achieve our sales and profits, but Frieda’s is one company who goes well above the call of duty every day," said Proctor.

For more information:
Alex Jackson
Frieda's Inc., The Specialty Produce Company
Tel: +1 714-826-6100 ext. 149
Fax: +1 714-816-0273
www.friedas.com