Peapod Wins Two 2016 American Business Awards
Online grocer Peapod was the recipient of two top prizes at the 14th Annual American Business Awards (ABAs), or "Stevies". The Skokie, Ill.-based company took the Gold Stevie (first place) in the Shopping App category for its new Android and iOS app, which launched in June of last year.
Peapod also nabbed a Silver Stevie (second place) in the Company of the Year – Food & Drink category. The online grocer's two awards were part of a prestigious competition that attracted more than 3,400 nominations reviewed by 250-plus judges.
"The past year has been one of significant change and progress here at Peapod," explained Carrie Bienkowski, the Ahold USA company's CMO. "We’ve continued to innovate and provide our customers with an unparalleled shopping experience. These innovations include the launch of our new mobile app, partnerships with third-party startups to enable easier recipe planning, and the introduction of mealtime solutions like fresh meal kits.”
'Award-Winning Experience'
In the Shopping App category, Peapod took first place for its revamped mobile app for iOS and Android devices which simplifies online shopping in a sleek, new look for an unparalleled user experience. New features include an “Order Genius,” an intuitive search recommendation engine with smart functionality exclusive to Peapod. New filter and sorting tools also allow customers to zero in on dietary and nutritional needs with one touch to create a more personalized shopping experience.
The new Peapod app syncs up perfectly with a number of partners to make online grocery shopping even more seamless. One, Chicory, allows customers to add recipe ingredients directly into their Peapod shopping cart as they peruse cooking inspiration websites. With one click of a “Get Ingredients” button at the bottom of the recipe page, shoppers can add all of the supplies they need to prepare new and exciting meals or standard favorites. Another Peapod partner, Hiku, enabled the rollout of a "shopping button" device that allows people to scan or dictate grocery items to a Peapod online shopping list. Lists are intelligently matched to online availability, and purchased items are removed so lists always remain up to date among household members.
Peapod’s mobile app is also compliant with WCAG 2.0 AA, web accessibility guidelines published by the main standards organization for the internet. From its founding 27 years ago, Peapod has been committed to ensuring that content on its website and mobile app is accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities, including blindness and low vision and deafness and hearing loss, among others.
Meanwhile, Peapod earned its Silver Stevie for Company of the Year based on its continued commitment to innovation in the online grocery arena. In addition to its technological advancements, Peapod strives to deliver convenience to its customers through suppertime solutions. This year, the e-grocer expanded its partnership with Barilla pasta to introduce Peapod Meal Kits to New York City, and to roll out new recipes in the Midwest, as well as launching an own-brand line of fresh meal kits. The Peapod Meal Kits contain all ingredients pre-packaged and pre-measured to create a balanced meal. The launch coincided with families’ growing demands for affordable, great-tasting and convenient meals ready in 30 minutes or less.
The ABAs are the premier business awards in the United States. Winners of this year’s awards will be honored at a ceremony in New York on June 20.