Sprouts Farmers Market, 350 +stores, Phoenix, AZ  New Slogan “Where Goodness Grows”

James and I met with Robby Cruz, VP of Procurement, Erin Tice Cherry Category Manager and Andrew McGregor VP of Sales and Merchandising.

Sprouts has made some changes the past two years and is very focused on quality.  They mentioned they want to push jumbo cherries this season even to the extent of 8 ½- 9 row and letting their customer know about the size, a large piece of fruit/meat with great quality.  They asked if we could help them promote this message to their consumer.  James let them know row size and high sugars are looking good with the recent hot weather in the Northwest.  They mentioned California has been ok but will be finishing up early and are ready for the Northwest. 

Here is what they are interested in from Northwest.

1. Marketing materials, James mentioned an infographic.  We will put together a folder with Northwest Cherry information and creative(digital: social, video, pos images etc.)  for their marketing team.  Right now on their Deals of the Month online book they have a full page ad with one of their Northwest Cherry vendors.  I’m not sure if there is enough time to participate in their July or August book with our health messages and/or buy now freeze now message.  I can check to see if the Sprouts team would like us to promote in the book if there is time  or plan on next season.  Andrew had mentioned they want to let their customer know that the season will be ending soon and buy cherries while you still can.  The Deals of the month Book would be a good vehicle, plus we will show them our vintage “Buy Now Freeze Now” sign, plus we have a few nice videos talking about the season ending soon and the freeze message. 

2. In-store promotion, they are going to have two events. 

1^st event on July 7^th that will promote a wide variety of Northwest cherries:  red, rainier, organic, bag and pckg and unique varieties that specific Northwest shippers have to offer.

And the 2^nd event will on 7/20 they are going to have a contest battle between 12 of their superstores.  One of their vendors is supporting but they asked if we wanted to participate and add to the promo.  This could be with gift cards or swag

3. Ad program with logo.