WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh Produce Association has long been commemorating those Produce Managers at retail that strive to make produce shine day in and day out. For the sixteenth year in a row, United Fresh honored its 2020 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program winners during the Retail-Foodservice LIVE! General Session yesterday. Those who were awarded represent supermarket banners, commissaries, and independent retail stores across the United States and Canada. In total, 25 industry members were recognized, including those who support Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, and more.
“As the face of our industry in store, retail produce managers play a significant role in influencing a consumer’s decision to shop for fresh produce,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “More so than ever before, we are extremely fortunate to have these outstanding produce managers representing our industry and working each day to deliver a positive customer experience in the produce department during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re especially grateful for their resolve in the face of this public health crisis.”
Sponsored by Dole Food Company, the program pays special recognition to produce managers working every day on the front line to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, a press release explained. Since the program’s inception in 2005, over 325 retail produce managers, representing more than 110 different retail banners, have been honored.
Five exceptional Produce Managers were awarded a $1,000 Grand Prize honor. Those recipients included:
- Ricky Morrison, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Charlotte/Harrisburg, NC
- Ken Marske, Schmitz's Economart, Spooner, WI
- Jaleisha Freeman, Oceana Naval Air Station Commissary, Virginia Beach, VA
- Freddie Dowell, Brookshire Grocery Company, Malakoff, TX
- Christine Burton, Kroger Company, Shelbyville, IN
Dole Food Company also honored each of the 25 winners with a $1,000 check, further increasing the five grand prize winners to $2,000 each.
“This is Dole’s sixth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program,” said Johan Linden, CEO, Dole Food Company. “These essential workers are most valuable to our industry as consumers trust in their knowledge of the healthy benefits and safety of fresh produce. They do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this program gives us a platform to express our sincere thanks on behalf of our company and our industry.”
The winners were chosen based on several criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
To see the full list of honorees, please click here.
AndNowUKnow congratulates the winners!
