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Maine names grocer, producer of the year

Adam and Sheila Nappi of Bow Street Market are the Maine Grocer of the Year and Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce of GrandyOats are the Producer of the Year.

October 31, 2013

3 Min Read
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The Maine Grocers Association and Maine Food Producers Alliance announced their prestigious annual awards at the Maine Food Means Business 2013 Summit held at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown. Adam and Sheila Nappi, Bow Street Market are the 2013 Maine Grocer of the Year and Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, GrandyOats are the 2013 Producer of the Year.   

Bow Street Market is a second generation, family owned and operated neighborhood market located in Freeport, Maine. In operation since 1946, the market offers a fresh butcher shop, over 200 Maine products, and signature deli items. In 1974, Karen and John Nappi purchased the market that grew and saw over five expansions. In October of 2002, Sheila and Adam purchased the Bow Street Market from Karen and John.

What happened next was an unexpected positive surprise. With increased competition, a transformation in the food business and increased consumer interest in everything “local”, their team, supported by their community partners, focused on what they do best and opened their new 15,000-square-foot New England–style market in May 2011, creating an unparalleled shopping experience that delights the senses with a down home local appeal.

Sheila and Adam give credit to their nearly 100 associates for providing superior customer service, exceeding customers’ expectations on a daily basis.

Adam serves on the MGA’s Spirits Advisory Committee, spearheading the association’s effort to secure increased purchase discount rates for agency liquor stores and illuminating their role as the state’s essential business partner. He spent countless hours advocating, earning him the reputation as an effective and highly respected collaborator. Special thanks to Sheila and Adam for inviting Summit participants to tour their store.

For 34 years, in the foothills of western Maine, GrandyOats has made the tastiest granola, by hand, in small batches, using the finest organic ingredients. GrandyOats now makes more than 40 unique handmade granolas, oatmeal, trail mixes and roasted nuts. They never use refined sweeteners or any artificial ingredients. They believe that organically grown food is good for you and good for the Earth.

During the past 13 years, Aaron and Nat, college friends from UNH, have been growing the business together with their team of 18 people in rural Brownfield, Maine, now the small town’s largest employer. They are currently growing at 30 percent for the year and 35 times the revenues as they were in 2000. Some of their proudest achievements were becoming certified Organic and GMO free in 2004. They remain committed to staying small in their methods, by producing all the products by hand in 60 lb. batches.

Aaron has served on the Maine Food Producers Alliance Board of Directors for 5 years providing thoughtful guidance as well as “out of the box” strategic thinking. He has served as the Producer Showcase Master of Ceremonies for two years where he provides encouragement and guidance to emerging food producers.

These awards were presented at the Maine Food Means Business 2013 Summit held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013 at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown. This event marked the fifth anniversary of the Maine Grocers Association and Maine Food Producers Alliance landmark collaborative.

 

 

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