Recognized for robust marketing, consumer education, and year-over-year mango sales growth

Big Y Foods has earned national recognition by being named the Mango Retailer of the Year.

On January 29, 2025, the National Mango Board (NMB) presented the award at Big Y’s Simsbury, Connecticut location, spotlighting the company’s commitment to mango sales growth, inventive in-store promotions, and consumer engagement strategies.

The grocery chain, founded in Massachusetts, stood out for its consistent approach to educating shoppers about mangos and boosting overall consumption, setting an impressive standard for the industry.

This honor applauds retailers that show extraordinary support for the mango category through strong sales figures, effective marketing, and educational programs.

As part of a comprehensive assessment, the NMB scrutinizes factors ranging from year-over-year sales trends to customer outreach and quality assurance.

Big Y excelled in each of these areas, surpassing standard benchmarks and ensuring mangos remain a must-have item in the produce aisle.

Award organizers note that Big Y’s success is rooted in various strategies aimed at highlighting the fruit’s versatility and appeal.

The retailer’s tactics included eye-catching store displays, special pricing events, and recipe collaborations designed to inform customers about the variety of ways mangos can be used.

These efforts helped spur substantial growth in mango sales and positioned Big Y as a leader in meeting the evolving demands of health-conscious shoppers who look for unique, high-quality produce options.

“For the past couple of years, we have focused on expanding our specialty fruit category to better serve our customers. With Mangos being considered one of the top fruits in the world, it was a great way to ignite our sales initiatives by creating merchandising excitement while showcasing our superior quality. From the collaboration with the Mango Commission, creative ad layouts and designs, education and innovative recipes from our registered dietitians to the hard work and execution from our talented store teams the true credit goes out to all of them. We really appreciate all their efforts! We are honored to be recognized for this achievement.”

Jeff Vocatura, sales manager at Big Y Foods

In addition to these merchandising initiatives, Big Y strengthened relationships with suppliers and introduced creative advertising that appealed to both new and long-time mango fans.

Interactive programs guided shoppers on identifying ripe mangos, storage methods, and culinary uses, ensuring that consumers have the knowledge and inspiration to include this tropical fruit in their daily meals.

These detailed educational efforts, many of which engaged shoppers at the store level, are central to why the brand has seen widespread success in bringing mangos to the forefront.

“Big Y Foods has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the education and consumption of mangos. Big Y Foods’ consistent pursuit of excellence, particularly evident in their commitment to sourcing and delivering the highest quality produce, including exceptional mangos, serves as an inspiration within the grocery industry. We are proud to recognize Big Y Foods with the Retailer of the Year award.”

Ramón Ojeda, executive director at the National Mango Board

By earning this distinction, Big Y Foods not only receives a commemorative plaque but also opens the door to further collaboration with the NMB.

In the coming months, the retailer will have unique opportunities to partner with the board on campaigns spotlighting mangos’ nutritional benefits and culinary potential.

These projects aim to sustain interest in the fruit and help other retailers adopt innovative practices that can contribute to the category’s ongoing growth.