WASHINGTON, DC – Know an outstanding retail produce manager? United Fresh is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program and your excellent manager could be one of twenty-five produce managers recognized amongst company peers for their innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, and increased store sales.
In its 14th year, the Retail Produce Manager Awards Program sponsored by Dole Food Company pays special recognition to produce managers on the front line in supermarkets working every day to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The ability to creatively merchandise the product, interact with the customers, and oversee the growth of not only the product, but the people within the department, is paramount,” noted Jeff Cady, Director of Produce/Floral at Tops Friendly Markets and Vice Chairman of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board, in a recent press release. “Produce is a vital part of our day to day business, and being able to undertake this and manage it successfully is something we truly appreciate and want to recognize in these individuals.”
As one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, Dole Food Company, Inc., is proud to honor the Produce Managers who are driven to make a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live.
“This is Dole’s fourth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year Award, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program. These men and women do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this gives us an opportunity to recognize that contribution and genuinely say thank you,” shared Tim Stejskal, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sales for Dole Fresh Vegetables.
25 award winners–and their corporate produce directors–will receive complomentary airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration to United Fresh 2018, taking place June 25-27 in Chicago. The winners will be honored on Wednesday, June 27, where five grand prize winners will be announced as recipients of an additional $1,000 cash prize.
Since the program’s inception, over 300 produce managers from over 100 different retail banners have been honored. Nominations forms can now be accessed online, and must be submitted by Friday, January 12, 2018.
For more information about the program, including selection criteria and a list of past winners, visit www.unitedfresh.org/rma, or contact Jeff Oberman, United Fresh Vice President, Trade Relations at [email protected] or 831-600-8922.
Happy nominating!
