The Defense Commissary Agency brightened its stores this season in a mango display contest sponsored by the National Mango Board. The NMB partnered with Bush’s Black Beans for this contest, using the theme “Mango and Black Bean Fiesta!” The contest received an impressive number of entries with over 150 participating stores, which reported a 32 percent increase in mango movement over the previous year.

The mango contest took place from May 4-17 and was open to the 179 DeCA stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.The Schofield Barracks Commissary was the DeCA Mango and Black Bean Display Contest winner for the Bands 10 to 14 category. The contest encouraged stores to build creative, eye-catching mango displays to engage and educate shoppers while moving mango volume.

A high-graphic mango bin was provided to use as the centerpiece of their displays. Point-of-sale materials were also provided to the stores, which incorporated mango cutting, selection and nutrition messages, plus easy recipe ideas for shoppers, including a mango and black bean salsa recipe. Stores were also able to use their own props and utilize their creativity to build the catchy displays.

Stores were divided into five groups based on store sales. Three winning stores in each group were awarded commissary gift cards that can be used as giveaways to shoppers. Although DeCA employees are not able to accept prizes, they are thrilled to receive these gift cards to help their local military families.

Entries were judged based on creativity, education, shopability and the presentation of both the mangos and Bush’s Black Beans in the display. “We value our relationship with DeCA and the great opportunity this contest provides to increase awareness of mangos. It helps inspire shoppers incorporate mangos in their dishes and educates them on how delicious and versatile this fruit is,” Rachel Muñoz, director of marketing at NMB, said in a press release. “This contest is such a great way to pump up mango sales and create excitement around mangos just in time for the summer months.”

Operated by the DeCA, commissaries provide groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families on military bases. Authorized customers purchase goods at cost plus a 5 percent surcharge, which covers the cost of maintaining and renovating commissaries. This enables military personnel to save an average of 30 percent or more on groceries when compared to commercial prices.