The Kroger supermarket chain has handed a special award to tropical produce grower-supplier Agrofruit, the Corporate Brand Supplier of the Year 2012, in recognition of its 'exceptional contribution to the company's corporate brand programme'.

Agrofruit, which operates in Guatemala and Costa Rica and deals with produce including bananas, pineapples and rambutan, was chosen for the award from thousands of global vendors as a business upholding high standards of customer service by providing Kroger with 'a wide variety of quality products at competitive prices'.

"Agrofruit is a key supplier for us," said Mark Malburg, Kroger's sales manager, at the awards ceremony. "Not only are they the leading supplier of our own brand of bananas under the brand name Fresh Selections, but they have also collaborated with our team to become pioneers in the direct importation of bananas to developed countries.

On receiving the award, Agrofruit chief executive Fernando Bolaños noted that it was a great honour to be recognised by Kroger.

"This is a stimulus to our company to continue striving to do better everyday," he explained, congratulating his team for their efforts and dedication.