MISSION, TX - Last night marked a new milestone for those who will be remembered in Texas produce history through the Texas Hall of Fame. Among those honored was recently retired retail veteran and H-E-B consultant Hugh Topper, whose countless contributions were commemorated when he joined Mary McKeever yesterday in being honored with the Scott Toothaker Award.
“This award advocates supporters who have helped bring the produce industry to where it is today. It was founded in 1989 and made to reflect those not directly involved in the production side but still contributed to the industry here in Texas,” Dante Galeazzi, Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) President and CEO, shares with me. “Scott was involved with the association for nearly 50 years and helped with a great deal of issues for the industry. Since then we have awarded to a number of people who have reflected changes, shaped, and driven the industry to what it is today. This is what Hugh has done. Even though he wasn't a grower or a shipper he was always behind driving produce in Texas to what it is today.”
And in so many ways! From promoting and sponsoring the Viva Fresh Produce Expo and acting as a Board Member for TIPA, VICA, and more, to serving as a guest lecturer and spreading words and wisdom about the importance of the Texas produce industry, Hugh has been a driving force for fresh fruit and vegetable consumption for decades.
“H-E-B is a huge force in the Texas retail space, and Hugh has been an icon in the industry about as long as I've been here,” Tommy Wilkins, Director of Sales for Grow Farms Texas, says. “Since I've gotten to know him, one of the amazing things I’ve learned was how much he's done for the industry. Aside from all the merits he should get for his work in retail, most of my exposure to him has been from his pushing Texas to be better about local produce, education, and how eating fruits and vegetables can make for a healthier alternative. He's been an incredible voice for a healthier Texas. We're certainly going to miss his leadership here. We can't thank him enough.”
As Dante puts it, “Hugh has operated not just in his role as a buyer, but as a voice of the change we want to see here in Texas.” A sentiment that drives the purpose of the Scott Toothaker Award.
“The Texas Produce Hall of Fame is a long and proud tradition for our industry. Sitting in a packed ballroom, surrounded by a who’s-who of Texas produce is a really humbling experience, especially when you look back at the list of past recipients, it’s just a very special evening to be a part of,” Bret Erickson, Director of Business Development for J&D Produce, recalls. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect back and show our gratitude to the pioneers who paved the way for the success of the Texas produce industry today.”
Seven leaders of the Texas produce industry in addition to Hugh and Mary were honored at the Texas International Produce Association's Hall of Fame Banquet. Inductees included:
- Jud Flowers
- Mark Fryer
- Joe Metz
- Bill Morley
- Christine Morley
- Fred Schuster
- Jeanette Schuster
The banquet, according to TIPA, also serves as a fundraiser for the William E. Weeks Agricultural Scholarship that was established to encourage future generations to carry on the hard work of our past leaders and pursue education in the field of specialty crop agriculture.
As for Hugh, though retired he is still invested in the industry in which he has become so ingrained.
“He did retire and is now a consultant for H-E-B,” Dante tells me. “You have a legacy buyer in Hugh, with a lot of knowledge to hand over. So he is currently passing that on to his successor.”
After 40 years in the industry, 26 with H-E-B, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate. Congratulations to Hugh and all the latest produce pioneers joining the Texas Hall of Fame!
