It’s time for the International Fresh Produce Association to recognize retail leaders who show passion and purpose through innovative strategies to drive produce consumption.
The association is asking for nominations of retail vice presidents, directors of produce, sales managers or equivalent titles for its Retail Merchant Innovation Awards, according to a news release. Nominations are now open.
“This industry knows who’s getting the job done at retail,” Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale membership, said in the release. “We’re asking everyone to nominate that retailer who inspires others to think creatively about their approach to produce marketing and demonstrates their own forward-thinking perspective.”
The award doesn’t just honor retail produce marketers making a difference in produce consumption.
“… It also motivates everyone else to up their game and drive our industry forward,” Watson said. Sage Fruit is the award program’s sponsor.
This award recognizes the “best of the best” retailers (including wholesale grocers) in five store-count categories. Winners will be recognized onstage at The Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, Calif. One winner will be named in each of these groups:
- 1-50 stores.
- 51-150 stores.
- 151-250 stores.
- 251-399 stores.
- 400-plus stores.
IFPA explained further who can do the nominating, and what to think about:
- Produce suppliers should nominate a retailer who is getting the job done for their products and brand — someone who is a notch or two above their other customers.
- Solutions providers should consider which retailer is using their products or services to boost their produce strategy to attract more shoppers and sales.
- Retailers should look for someone at the top of their produce division, someone who applies innovation and creativity to inspire both staff and shoppers.
