The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. As always, our editorial team was energized and awed by the talented pool of nominees this year. Now in its 18th year, The Packer is once again spotlighting 25 dynamic and inspiring people who are moving the produce industry forward.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Jeff Mallory, vice president of produce operations, Hy-Vee, Inc., West Des Moines, Iowa
What do you do in your current role at Hy-Vee?
Mallory: As the vice president of produce operations for Hy-Vee, I have many responsibilities. I work on ads, contests and promotions, merchandising strategies, employee training and education. I’m always looking at new and innovative equipment and displays.
One big focus is working with produce purchasing to find new innovative produce items and foster vendor and grower relationships. We have 10 retail produce supervisors and I communicate closely with them to help assist stores with sales and profit. The overall produce strategy is part of produce operations at Hy-Vee, so communicating our fresh product offerings, quality-first mindset, competitive pricing and customer experience with our amazing produce team is a big part of what I do.
How did you get your start in the produce industry? Did you envision landing where you did?
I started out as a part-time produce clerk while in college. Within six months I was full time and caught the produce passion bug. I always wanted to be a produce supervisor. When that didn’t happen, I found myself doing store director training.
My love for produce has always been part of my 27-year career. My first 15 years were in produce. Now, 12 years later, I find myself as the vice president of produce operations. It is a dream come true.
What’s something that has surprised you about the produce industry?
The technology in farming surprised me. As we visit growers and learn their techniques, all that goes into a package of fresh produce amazes me. Innovation also amazes me. When you think of all the ideas, flavors, sizes and so on — [and still] someone always finds a new way.
What are you most passionate about right now in your role or the industry? Why?
I’m passionate about training and educating our employees. I believe we have the best produce managers in the world at Hy-Vee. So many of them started as a part-time employee and are now veteran leaders in our company.
I believe we have a lot of young energetic leaders out there. We are working hard with our training and education team to make sure our employees have the right tools to continue their Hy-Vee Produce career.
What is the craziest fruit or vegetable you’ve ever encountered? What made it so unusual?
When I first started at Hy-Vee, kiwi was the wildest and craziest. We used to cut them open to show kids shopping with their parents. Now it’s a staple fruit for many people. Jackfruit to me is still one that surprises me. There are many recipes for using it on your smoker and treating it like pulled pork.
