International Fresh Produce Association has announced the winners of the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program.
The program, sponsored by Sage Fruit Co., recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a vice president, director or equivalent position in the produce departments of a retail banner that demonstrates passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption, according to a news release.
IFPA honors five of the industry’s top retail director-vice presidents for this award: One winner per store-count category.
“Through dedication to our industry, innovative merchandising and customer engagement, these individuals have demonstrated passion and purpose and have direct impact on growing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale Joe Watson said in the release. “We congratulate the winners and look forward to celebrating them at The Global Produce & Floral Show later this month.”
The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show, where they will attend as VIPs, participate in the conference education and network.
The 2022 winners of the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award are:
- 1-50 stores: Brian Penfield, director of produce at Sendik’s Food Markets;
- 51-150 stores: Jim Gaylord, category merchant at Wegmans Food Markets Inc.;
- 151-250 stores: Barry Paul, produce sales manager at Shaw’s Supermarkets;
- 251-399 stores: Jeff Mallory, vice president of produce at Hy-Vee Inc.; and
- 400+ stores: Vic Savanello, regional vice president of produce and floral merchandising at SpartanNash.
Those interested in the Global Produce & Floral Show are encouraged to view the program and register.
