ABM Students Take 7th in Case-Study Competition

A team of Cal Poly Pomona agribusiness and food industry management students finished seventh in a National Grocers Association (NGA) student case study competition.

Megan Davis, Glen Levstick, Eva Viveros, and Rebecca Jurado represented the university in the competition, which was held during the NGA Show 2022, Feb. 27-March 1 in Las Vegas.

The competition was based around a case study of Woodman’s Markets, a 19-store grocery chain in the Midwest.

With the growth of online delivery and pick-up options, many retailers are selling food across multiple platforms or channels, which could be seen as “adjuncts” to the conventional in-store shopping experience.

Students were asked to determine the optimal setup for Woodman’s Markets for multiple platform retail sales that offer customers a seamless and complete experience. They also had to consider factors such as the supply chain aspect of online and in-store ordering, fulfillment, and inventory management.

Teams presented their findings in a bracket-style competition throughout the NGA Show, with the finalists going head to head on the final day.

The Cal Poly Pomona team finished in seventh place out of 14 teams. The team’s advisor was lecturer Katie Horvath (pictured).

A team from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo won the contest.

The case study competition gives students studying food marketing, agricultural economics, and supply chain, a first-hand look into the independent grocery industry and a valuable networking opportunity.

The Cal Poly Pomona students also participated in other activities at the NGA Show.

Eva Viveros, first-generation Hispanic college student introduced the professional education seminar, “Marketing to the Hispanic Shopper,” in English and Spanish.

Rebecca Jurado was the Cal Poly Pomona team leader in the Student Independent Grocery Expo Review.

Students who participated in this event visited the expo floor to search for the best products and services available. They presented their top product reviews in a quick-pitch format on the expo stage.

Jurado recommended a tablet created by a company called "OilChef" that is placed in fryers to help use less oil when cooking food items.

The expo review gives students – especially those eliminated from the case study competition – another opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and presenting skills.

Students interested in joining the Cal Poly Pomona team for the 2023 NGA Student Case Competition should fill out this application.