SACRAMENTO, CA - At the heart of this industry are people with purpose, steering their teams toward excellence with incredible passion and resilience. There is something quietly powerful about being a witness to this process, and one of the reasons we created the Besties Awards. It is not about the loudest campaign or the most aggressive push, but about the thought, authenticity, and true understanding required to move from a simple marketing plan to the execution of a marketing vision. This year’s 2026 Besties Award winners continue to solidify their legacies and change the nature of fresh produce.
They truly are what the Besties Awards have always been about. We are proud to honor this year's best of the best.
2026 BESTIES AWARD WINNERS
- Innovator of the Year — Paul Mastronardi, Mastronardi Produce® / SUNSET®
- Pillar of the Industry Award — Kathleen Triou, Fresh Solutions Network
- Annual Snack Storyteller Award — Steve Junqueiro, Steve Junqueiro Associates
- Best Fresh Produce Retailer — Shawn Peery, Albertsons Companies
- Best Social Media Storycraft — Taylor Farms
- Best Website — Pure Flavor®
- Best Philanthropic Initiatives — California Giant Berry Farms
- Best Email Ad Campaigns — Fowler Packing Company
- Best Rebrand — Ocean Mist® Farms
- Best Snack Ad — Rainier Fruit Company
- Best Video Content & Creative Strategy — WINDSET FARMS®
- Best Merchandising Concepts — New York Apple Association
Each year, AndNowUKnow and The Snack bring together a committee of experienced, insightful, and thought-leading voices from across the fresh produce and specialty food space to honor the individuals and companies who are not simply performing well in their categories; they are redefining what those categories can look like. From marketing to philanthropy to social media and beyond, the Besties recognize those who have raised the standard and, in doing so, have changed the way our industry connects—with its partners, and with the people it ultimately feeds.
None of this happens without the people willing to join us, impart their wisdom and knowledge, and contribute to a conversation around vision and marketing that truly sets fresh produce apart in an ever-growing sea of food categories around the supermarket perimeter and on the menu.
To our 2026 committee—thank you for your time, your perspective, and your willingness to step up when this industry needs thoughtful leadership most. Your voices give this process meaning, and we are grateful for each one of you.
Thank you to our winners, our committee, and everyone who makes this celebration possible year after year. We look forward to seeing you soon. Join us in Monterey on July 15 for the Besties event, where we raise a glass to the people and companies making this industry something worth celebrating.
