(Dec. 1, 2009)—New England Wholesale food distributor AGAR, product specialist for independent restaurants, retailers and other food service providers has been awarded the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Distributor Sales and Marketing Performance Award.
The award is given to a distributor who has implemented creative and successful sales and marketing programs. The award is based on nominations from IFMA members across the country. The award was presented to President and CEO Karen S. Bressler at the International Food Distributors Association/ International Food Manufacturers Association President's Conference this past November in Phoenix, Arizona.
AGAR http://www.agarsupply.com/ has implemented a number of programs to help build sales and customer loyalty over the past several years. A main focus has been their very successful private brand of seafood called Nautifish. The brand has focused around a mission of sustainability and donates a portion of the proceeds to the non-profit group Ocean Alliance. The packaging is also part of their brand with all products being packed in recyclable or reusable packaging.
AGAR was also recognized for their support of national brands. AGAR carries a vast line of national brands that many in the foodservice industry need and want for their operations. Along with those initiatives, AGAR has invested numerous others resources in building, training and motivating their sales force, traditional marketing initiatives as well as a new focus on public relations and branding.
AGAR has a very strong customer base in the independent restaurant category. In more recent times, the wholesale food distributor has marketed their expertise to this group including their Test Kitchen which allows customers of AGAR to meet with their Chef to help in the re-engineering of their menu. AGAR has also taken steps to build an awareness program around their offerings as well as institute Blogging and video Blogging from their CEO Karen Bressler.
"We focus a fair amount of our energy here on advocating for the independent restaurant," says Bressler. "Our marketing and public relations efforts have focused on telling people how we can not only offer them great products at competitive costs but we also offer them our expertise in developing a great menu, cutting costs and building a better bottom line. We believe those messages resonate with any business owner."
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