The Packer is seeking nominations for the 2026 Apple Person of the Year. The award will be presented at the U.S. Apple Association’s 2026 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, set for Aug. 19-21 in Chicago.
The award, first presented by The Packer in 1964 to Henry W. Miller Jr. of Consolidated Orchard Co., recognizes an individual who has shown leadership and commitment to the advancement of the apple industry.
To nominate an industry leader, email Christina Herrick at cherrick@thepacker.com with answers to these questions:
- Who do you nominate for The Packer’s 2026 Apple Person of the Year?
- How do you know the nominee?
- How has this person shown leadership and commitment to the advancement of the apple industry?
- How is the apple industry different today because of this person?
Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 22.
Recent award recipients include:
- 2025 — Julie DeJarnett, vice president of marketing and brand strategy for Chelan Fresh
- 2024 — Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee
- 2023 — Mike Preacher, vice president of Domex Superfresh Growers
- 2022 — Phil Glaize Jr., owner of Glaize Apples, Winchester, Va.
- 2021 — Sean Gilbert, general manager of Gilbert Orchards
- 2020 — Kaari Stannard, owner and president of New York Apple Sales
- 2019 — West Mathison, CEO of Stemilt Growers
- 2018 — Mike Rothwell, president and CEO of BelleHarvest Sales Inc.
- 2017 — Fred Hess, president of Hess Bros. Fruit Co.
- 2016 — Mike Wade, co-owner of CMI Orchards and Columbia Fruit Packers
- 2015 — Lee Showalter, food safety pioneer and executive at Rice Fruit Co.
- 2014 — Henry Chiles, owner of Crown Orchard Co.
- 2013 — John Rice, sales manager at Rice Fruit Co.
- 2012 — Ken Guise, president and CEO of Knouse Foods Cooperative Inc.
