Twenty produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Awards Program from the International Fresh Produce Association.
“On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandised, and inviting to customers,” Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale membership, said in a news release. “This year’s award winners are instrumental in connecting with consumers and influencing them to choose produce at the point of purchase.”
These 20 winners proudly represent the produce industry to the consumer and work to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for their banners and their communities, the release said.
The award winners include:
- Alvaro Renteria of Albertsons Inc., Carson, Calif.
- Rodney McDonald of Brookshire Grocery Co./Fresh, Fate, Texas.
- Bishop Tart of Corner Market, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Marcus Reyes of Defense Commissary Agency, Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico
- Alexandria Mooney of Fred Meyer/Kroger, Monroe, Wash.
- Brian Masse of Hannaford Brothers Supermarkets, Nashua, N.H.
- Alicia Lewis of Harps, Ft. Smith, Ark.
- Brittany Gall of Hennings Market, Harleysville, Pa.
- Mike Rollins of Hy-Vee Inc., Council Bluffs, Iowa.
- Dustin Bilbrey of KVAT Food Stores, Sevierville, Tenn.
- Mark Walker of Lowes Foods, Pittsboro, N.C.
- Elijah Pak of Meijer, Kettering, Ohio.
- Sarah Lopath of New Seasons Market, Portland, Ore.
- Joshua Lesson of Price Chopper/Market32, Wilton, N.Y.
- Sean Logan of Raley’s, Reno, Nev.
- Jeff Shimek of Safeway, Bellingham, Wash.
- Aaron Carroll of Schnuck’s, St. Louis.
- Matthew Fairbanks of The Fresh Market, Crystal Lake, Ill.
- Chris O’Brien of The Giant Co., Kennett Square, Pa.
- Bradley Franklin of Tops, Towanda, Pa.
“These prestigious awards are a shining example of IFPA’s commitment to grow prosperity for companies in the global fresh produce supply chain while creating a vibrant future for all,” Watson said. “Our recognition of the pivotal role produce managers play for their companies and the produce industry wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Robinson Fresh.”
“This is our first year sponsoring this significant recognition program and we could not be more proud to honor outstanding produce managers who are dedicated to making a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live,” Jose Rossignoli, president of the program sponsor Robinson Fresh, said in the release.
The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show, set for Oct. 17-19, in Atlanta, with five produce managers taking home a grand prize winner award.
The IFPA awards program solicits nominations from anyone in the industry who knows a produce manager who is raising the bar on performance, the release said. More information is available on IFPA’s website.
