WASHINGTON, DC - The 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is shining a spotlight on industry leaders. The association recently recognized 20 produce managers, highlighting their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service, and customer satisfaction.

“On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandised, and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale Membership. “This year’s award winners are instrumental in connecting with consumers and influencing them to choose produce at the point of purchase.”

These 20 winners proudly represent the produce industry to the consumer and work to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for their banners and their communities. According to a press release, some of the individuals recognized include:

• Alvaro Renteria of Albertsons, Carson, CA
• Alexandria Mooney of Fred Meyer/Kroger, Monroe, WA
• Alicia Lewis of Harps, Ft. Smith, AR
• Mike Rollins of Hy-Vee, Council Bluffs, IA
• Elijah Pak of Meijer, Kettering, OH
• Sarah Lopath of New Seasons Market, Portland, OR
• Joshua Lesson of Price Chopper/Market32, Wilton, NY
• Sean Logan of Raley's, Reno, NV
• Jeff Shimek of Safeway, Bellingham, WA
• Matthew Fairbanks of The Fresh Market, Crystal Lake, IL

“These prestigious awards are a shining example of IFPA’s commitment to grow prosperity for companies in the global fresh produce supply chain while creating a vibrant future for all,” Watson added. “Our recognition of the pivotal role produce managers play for their companies and the produce industry wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Robinson Fresh.”

Jose Rossignoli, President of program sponsor Robinson Fresh, also commented.

“This is our first year sponsoring this significant recognition program and we could not be more proud to honor outstanding produce managers who are dedicated to making a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live,” said Rossignoli.

The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show, October 17–19, with five produce managers taking home the coveted Grand Prize Winner award. The IFPA awards program solicits nominations from anyone in the industry who knows a produce manager who is raising the bar on performance.

Congratulations to the honorees!