WASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s that time of year again, and I’m not just talking about the holidays. The United Fresh Produce Association is asking the industry to submit their nominations for the Retail Produce Managers Awards.

Why should you participate? Keep reading to find what Raley’s Greg Corrigan and Dole’s Howard Roeder have to say about the program.

Submit your nomination before January 5, 2016 to make sure your top retail produce manager can be recognized before the industry. Click the green button below to begin the nomination process.

Nominate a Retail Produce Manager

“This program is a powerful way for retailers to recognize their outstanding produce managers for their hard work and commitment to the industry,” said Corrigan, Raley’s Senior Director of Produce and Floral and Chairman of the United Fresh’s Retail-Foodservice Board. “The winning produce managers are recognized as leaders in their field and excellent representatives of the produce industry for our customers. We have made this a very important aspect of staff development at Raley’s.”

Roeder, the President of Dole Fresh Vegetables, added, “Dole, like all members of United Fresh that grow and farm fresh produce, wouldn’t be successful without the knowledge, passion, and day-to-day dedication of the produce manager. They stand on the front line of our industry and represent our products to the shopper. For that we are grateful.”

The award honors top retail produce managers for their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service, and customer satisfaction, according to a press release.

Still not convinced? Check out these 3 reasons why you should submit your nomination today:

Produce Consumption Continues to Rise

Produce managers obviously play a significant role in helping to increase retail sales of fresh produce, but did you know that, according to the United Fresh FreshFacts® on Retail Q2 2015 report, seven of the top 10 fruit categories and six of the top 10 vegetable categories have enjoyed increased volume sales since Q2 2014? Way to go!

Retail Produce Managers Hold Your Brand in Their Hands

Produce managers ensure that your in-store displays are properly stocked and maintained. When this job is done well, it’s a reflection on the retail banner, the produce brand, and the produce manager themselves.

Consumers Have Questions. Produce Managers Have Answers

As the store expert on produce, produce managers are prepared to engage consumers by presenting new or seasonal fruits and vegetables, offering preparation tips, and providing recipes and SKUs from other departments that aid in the sale of produce items.

So, what are you waiting for? January is just around the corner. Click here to nominate a retail produce manager today.

United Fresh