Central Garden & Pet Announces Vendor Awards for 2016

Annual trade show attracts over 170 vendors and 3,000 plus retailers

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celebrating “all things garden” for the ninth consecutive year, the Central Garden Distribution Dealer Show brings together over 170 vendors and leaders in the independent retailer and garden center market. The event attracts a national audience of retailers looking for new products, information on trends in marketing, seminars on best business practices, and promotional activities.

Prior to the start of the Las Vegas show at the Paris Hotel and Convention Center, Central recognizes vendor partners who have shown outstanding performance, excellent collaboration and sales support in the garden industry for the year. Awards were presented in four key categories - Partner of the Year Award: EcoClear Products, Inc.; Key Partnership Award: Hydrodynamics International; Sales Excellence Award: Earth & Turf Reps, Inc.; eBusiness Partner of the Year Award: Monterey Lawn & Garden Products.

“Our garden industry partnerships are vital and have a tremendous impact on our distribution success. The annual vendor awards give us a chance to recognize the organizations that went above and beyond over the past 12 months,” said Wes Martin, Vice President of Garden Distribution Sales.

Partner of the Year Award

Focused on bringing effective pesticide products to the retail market that are safe for pets, family and wildlife, Sarasota, Florida-based EcoClear was presented the Partner of the Year Award. Founded in 2013, EcoClear demonstrated a commitment to excellence through alignment with the 2016 sales initiatives of Central Garden Distribution. Over the years, EcoClear has a proven track record of success in the lawn and garden industry, resulting in positive financial impact, quality product offerings and superior sales support.

Key Partnership Award

Hydrodynamics International was celebrated with the Key Partnership Award for their innovative products and sales ideas, advanced through various strategic initiatives. These initiatives included, but were not limited to, sales and product training, field support, and relationship building through store visits. Since 1997, Hydrodynamics International has been traveling the globe, searching for the very best horticultural products and technologies to improve the quality and increase the yields of vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Sales Excellence Award

The Sales Excellence Award is given to a vendor or manufacturer’s rep group that “hits it out of the park” and brings new and/or innovative products to Central Garden Distribution. Earth & Turf Reps focused on the success of the independent retail customer and continues to provide the necessary support in which to foster growth. Founded in 2006, Earth and Turf Reps has grown to become one of the most respected erosion control manufacturer’s representative organizations in the Southeast region of the United States.

eBusiness Partner of the Year

Monterey Lawn & Garden Products provided exemplary support of eBusiness through various digital initiatives which included the timely upload of information; accuracy of online product materials, and a commitment to program excellence. Sharing a common vision with Central, Monterey demonstrates a proven track record with retailers and was established with the goal of offering home gardeners the same professional-grade technology available to the agriculture industry. Based in Fresno, California, the company was established in 1963 as Monterey Ag Resources and rebranded 25 years later to the current name.

“Our vendors play a critical role in complementing the Central branded portfolio and helping to create a dynamic and aggressive shelf presence at the retail garden center,” commented Trey Merritt, General Manager of Garden Vendor Partners. “The industry is well-served due to the commitment and contribution of vendor partners who are passionate about enhancing the outdoor and gardening experience with innovative products and services.”

About Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) (NASDAQ:CENTA) is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the lawn & garden and pet supplies markets. Committed to new product innovation, our products are sold to specialty independent and mass retailers. Participating categories in Lawn & Garden include: Grass seed and the brands PENNINGTON®, and THE REBELS®; wild bird feed and the brand PENNINGTON®; weed and insect control and the brands AMDRO®, SEVIN®, IRONITE® and OVER-N-OUT®; and decorative outdoor patio products under the PENNINGTON ® brand. We also provide a host of other regional and application-specific garden brands and supplies. Participating categories in Pet include: Animal health and the brands ADAMS™ and ZODIAC®; aquatics and reptile and the brands AQUEON®, CORALIFE® and ZILLA®; bird & small animal and the brands KAYTEE®, Forti-Diet® and CRITTER TRAIL®; dog & cat and the brands TFH™, NYLABONE®, FOUR PAWS®, IMS™, CADET®, PINNACLE® and AVODERM®; and equine and the brands FARNAM®, HORSE HEALTH™ and VITAFLEX®. We also provide a host of other application-specific pet brands and supplies. Central Garden & Pet Company is based in Walnut Creek, California, and has approximately 3,700 employees, primarily in North America. For additional information on Central Garden & Pet Company, including access to the Company's SEC filings, please visit the Company’s website at www.central.com.

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Central Garden & Pet Company
Mark Newberg, 847-330-5367 Office
847-722-6754 Mobile
mnewberg@central.com

Source: Central Garden & Pet Company