The results are in! We’d love to share with you what our expert judges deemed the best of the best submissions in our 2021 Fall Produce Artist Awards Series.
Our judges were:
- Mike O’Brien, president of O’Brien Innovations, former vice president of produce for Schnuck Markets, and 2004 Produce Retailer of the Year;
- Joe Watson, vice president of membership and engagement for Produce Marketing Association, former director of produce and floral for Rouses Markets, and 2014 Produce Retailer of the Year; and
- Armand Lobato, longtime produce retail professional and columnist for The Packer and PMG.
On the webinar, O’Brien and Watson discussed the winners and why their work deserved recognition. Lobato was part of the judging panel but couldn’t attend the live webinar discussion.
We’d also like to thank our sponsor, Sage Fruit.
Congratulations to all the winners! Now, let’s get right to it.
Top produce manager
Winner: Jonathan Carlton of UNFI, Logan, N.J.
“He’s maximizing his potential with his merchandising space,” Watson said.
“He uses every spot, every possible square foot he can to get a sale,” O’Brien said.
Top produce merchandiser/specialist
Winner: Frank Celerso, merchandiser, and Richard Conciatori, director of retail sales of Nathel & Nathel, Bronx, N.Y.
“Just look at those pictures. Outstanding,” Watson said.
“It’s a beautiful department. A lot of bulk, a fresh-looking, colorful department,” O’Brien said.
The digital signs seen in these winning photos may be something we see more of in the future, in place of paper signs. Both judges bemoaned their past struggles with all the tape used in paper signage.
Apples
Winner:
Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator of Four Seasons Produce, Ephrata, Pa.
Runners up:
- Stephen Daly, produce specialist at Military Produce Group
- Chris Blackwood, produce specialist at Military Produce Group, Fort Meade
- Frank Celerso, merchandiser, and Richard Conciatori, director of retail sales at Nathel & Nathel, Bronx, N.Y.
Pears
Winner:
Jonathan Charlton of UNFI, Logan, N.J.
Runner up:
Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator of Four Seasons Produce of Ephrata, Pa.
Hard squash
Winner:
Nick Giraldo of Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada
Runner Up:
Charles Chapman, produce specialist at Military Produce Group, Team Eglin Air Force Base
Pumpkins
Winner:
Jude Leong of Yokota Air Base, Fussa, Japan
Runners up:
- Phillip Worley, produce specialist at Military Produce Group, Team Fort Leonard Wood
- Charles Chapman, produce specialist at Military Produce Group, Team Jacksonville Naval Air Station
Sweet potatoes
Winner:
Frank Celerso, merchandiser, and Richard Conciatori, director of retail sales at Nathel & Nathel
To watch the webinar presentation and discussion, click the play button below.
Enter six to 10 photos of your displays for our next contest, the 2022 Winter Produce Artist Award Series. Read the details of how to enter here.
