Fall 2023 Writing for Public Relations

Writing Samples

Lauren Verdun
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trader Joe’s Wins “Grocer of the Year” Award, according to USA Today.

MONROVIA, Calif., October 5, 2023 – Trader Joe’s, a neighborhood favorite, will be the first
private-label grocer to receive the “Grocer of the Year” award by USA Today. This annual award
was announced Oct.4, to recognize grocery stores naOonwide who have an impact on the
communiOes they serve. This award upholds Trader Joe’s mission to serve customers with
unique foods and beverages at the best quality and prices.

“We are honored to receive the “Grocer of the Year” award from USA Today,” said CEO, Bryan
Palbaum. “This highlights the hard work each Trader Joe’s employee inserts into the company
each day. This serves as a reminder that our work shall conOnue to exceed customer
expectaOons and accentuate new ideas.”

Trader Joe’s has made this list six years in a row, however this is the first Ome they have been
crowned the recipient. Popular products like the everything but the bagel sesame seasoning
blend, Cauliflower Gnocchi, and cookie buYer, helped Trader Joe’s rise to fame on this list.

USA Today, awarded Trader Joe’s this recogniOon aZer a selecOve process that involved 250
other naOonal grocers, naOonally. The factors used to determine the rankings included variety
of products offered, sustainability pracOces, accessibility accommodaOons, growth within the
company and product uniqueness.
Trader Joe’s conOnues to focus on sustainability efforts by minimizing packaging, shortening
distances from distribuOon centers to stores and donaOng unused food. For more informaOon
on this, visit hYps://www.traderjoes.com/home/sustainability.

This milestone holds great significance as Trader Joe’s started as a local grocer around greater
Los Angeles in 1958. The chain introduced their first private-label product in 1967, nine years
aZer the company got started. Trader Joe’s struggled to compete with large name grocery
chains and has since grown into a naOonal sensaOon.

About Trader Joe's:

Trader Joe's is a chain of neighborhood grocery stores commiYed to providing customers
outstanding value – the best quality products at the best everyday prices – and a welcoming,
rewarding shopping experience. From unique foods and beverages you won't find anywhere
else, to daily staples such as eggs, milk, and 19¢ bananas, Trader Joe's stores carry a selecOon of
domesOc and imported products that have all been approved by a Trader Joe's tasOng panel.
Trader Joe's (www.traderjoes.com) began in 1967 in the Los Angeles area, and has since
expanded to more than 500 stores, in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

Contact:
Media RelaOons
Lauren Verdun
laurenverdun@traderjoes.com
Media Interview Briefing Template

Who you will be talking to

Journalist: Alexandra Beggs

Background Informa5on: Now a freelancer, she was the senior staff writer at Bon Appe(t. She
writes pieces about food, specifically about Trader Joe’s and has experience in cookbook
wriGng. She is trying to reach audiences looking for what to buy at Trader Joe’s. She is brutally
honest with quality, but when she loves something, she raves about it. She seems to use
humor in arGcles.
Social media profile: hIps://www.instagram.com/alexandrabeggs/

Recent story examples: I Tried Trader Joe's Burrata Ravioloni, Then Went Back for 3 More
Boxes
CULTURE Trader Joe’s Viral Instant Boba Kit Almost Lives Up to the Hype
What’s New at Trader Joe’s: Pumpkin Stuff, Duh

Aim of the Interview

What is the key message to get to the audience?
Sharing the significance of Trader Joe’s winning this award and the company’s forward
commitment to sustainability. Emphasize that winning this award doesn’t mean we’ve
completed our job as a company, there’s sGll so much work to be done and suggesGons to
consider from customers.

Talking Points
1. The journey that Trader Joe’s has taken to get to winning this award.
- Started as a small neighborhood chain.
- Trader Joe’s became a private label company
2. Trader Joe’s is a leading grocer in sustainability
- Across 540 stores, we are conscious of the materials we use, including low impact
refrigeraGon systems, such as CO-2 based refrigeraGon.
- Limited number of products to reduce packaging, be more aware of recycling
efforts, as well as educaGng customers on packaging.
- The Neighborhood Shares Program focuses on feeding people in need and
reducing food waste.
3. What’s next with Trader Joe’s?
- Expand stores naGonally by 10% by 2027.
- Sustainability efforts the main target by limiGng packaging, limiGng transportaGon
and fuels and increasing food donaGons and compost.

Difficult QuesGons
Possible Difficult QuesGon: Do you think the recent recalls were overlooked when ranking
Trader Joe’s first?
Example answer: Trader Joe’s aims to uphold the highest quality of products and we take
recalls seriously to promptly get the products off shelves and make customers aware. We
don’t take this lightly and Trader Joe’s works to improve and learn from mistakes. We are
honored for the recogniGon we received from USA Today as it highlights our mission and we
work to keep saGsfied customers happy and healthy.
Tip: Start by acknowledging her quesGon but explain the steps we are using to solve those
issues (learning from them), and bridge by moving on to the award and how it reinforces our
mission as a company.
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Happy Holidays from Trader Joe’s!

The holiday Fearless Flyer has landed. You’ll find new products, amazing side
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might even run into Santa! We’ve gathered a sleigh-load of insider secrets just
for you.

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Start your holiday shopping off right with fun new snacks and treats. From
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🎅

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may just find your next go-to! Join us in creating new memories this season.
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