WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - Retail produce managers are at the front lines of consumer education, ensuring that all areas of the department shine. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recognizes these efforts with its Retail Produce Manager Awards Program—sponsored by Dole Food Company—for which the association recently named its 25 winners.
“Retail produce managers are some of the greatest ambassadors for our industry,” said IFPA’s Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale, Joe Watson. “Through dedication to our industry, innovative merchandising, and customer engagement, they have direct impact on growing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Recognizing these leaders and sharing more about their incredible work strengthens our industry and helps us provide a vibrant future for all.”
According to a press release, the winners will be recognized at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show where they will attend as VIPs, participating in the conference education and networking.
Johan Linden, Chief Operating Officer of Dole Food Company, also commented on the announcement.
“As the world emerges from the pandemic and new shopping habits have been created, it’s important that we realize neighborhood stores are still where produce is most often purchased; and companies that grow and market fresh products remain reliant and indebted to the produce managers that interact between us and the shopper,” said Linden. “Honoring these individuals with the Retail Produce Manager Award is an opportunity for Dole to acknowledge and thank them for their critical roles in landing produce in the shopping cart.”
Some of the 2022 Winners of the IFPA Retail Produce Manager Award are:
- Tamra Barnes – Harps Food Store, Dexter, Missouri
- Micah Fabrizio – Albertsons Safeway, Denver, Colorado
- Clint Fraze – New Seasons Market, Happy Valley, Oregon
- David Heetderks – SpartanNash’s Forest Hills Foods, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Chris Jorgensen – Food Lion, Gloucester, Virginia
- Troy Kopriva – Hy-Vee, Grimes, Iowa
- Alex Samario – Gelson’s Markets, Sante Fe Springs, California
“We congratulate the winners and look forward to celebrating them at the Global Produce & Floral Show in October,” said Watson.
To see the complete list of winners, please click here.
Registration for the Global Produce & Floral Show can be found here.
Congratulations to these impressive produce managers!
