WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

For the tenth consecutive year, the Central Garden Distribution Dealer show celebrates “All things garden.” This year’s 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, Key Partnership, Sales Excellence, and eBusiness Partner of the Year.

“Our partners in the garden industry play a dynamic role in distribution success. The annual vendor awards give us a chance to celebrate and recognize the organizations that have given 110% over the past 12 months,” said Wes Martin, Vice President of Garden Distribution Sales.

Partner of the Year Award

Robert Allen Home and Garden was presented the Partner of the Year award. Robert Allen, a family-owned and operated business, prides itself on its passion for horticulture and gardening. Their dedication to bringing new products and designs to market shows their commitment to their loyal customers. With a proven record of success in the lawn and garden industry, resulting in positive financial impact, Robert Allen is a well-deserving recipient of this year’s Partner of the Year Award.

Key Partnership Award

DRAMM 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. With humble beginnings that date back to the early 1940s, the DRAMM Corporation has been a successful enterprise in the professional greenhouse tool and equipment world, growing from a small basement operation to a multi-million-dollar global corporation.

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. Tenax focused on the success of the independent retail customer and continues to provide the necessary support in which to foster growth. Founded in the 1960s, Tenax has been a leading innovator in the agricultural sector. Their award-winning products have revolutionized nursery and gardening production techniques.

eBusiness Partner of the Year

Sun Gro Horticulture 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, Sun Gro Horticulture 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. Founded in 1929, Sun Gro has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers.

“Our vendors play a crucial role in boosting the Central branded portfolio by helping to create a meaningful and vibrant shelf presence at the retail garden center,” commented Trey Merritt, General Manager of Garden Vendor Partners. “The industry is dynamic due to the commitment and contribution of vendor partners who are avid in enhancing the outdoor and gardening experience with pioneering 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^®, SEGREST 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^®, DMC™, K&H Pet Products^®, 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 4,100 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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