SACRAMENTO, CA - Our industry is full of individuals trailblazing the way for marketing prowess, leadership, and innovation. Their efforts contribute to the ever-growing class of high-caliber companies that continue to raise the bar across fresh produce. On Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024, we honored some of those companies making an impact on the essential health and excellence we find to be distinct to our industry. With glasses held high and laughter and celebration filling the Marriott Monterey’s Ferrante's Ballroom, we honored the 2024 Besties Award winners who our advisory committee and our team selected for this year’s elite.

“Thank you to the amazing guests who attended our Besties Awards event. The energy in the room, the quality of conversations, and the new relationships being built made it such a meaningful night for us all,” Robert Lambert, President and Chief Executive Officer, states. “It was an honor to bestow this select group with our Bestie Awards, and we thank you for all that you do to make the fresh produce industry more progressive, impactful, and superior in the fresh food space.”

Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Besties Award Winners!

• Retailer of the Year - Ryan Sanchez, Albertsons
• Annual Snack Storyteller - Amanda Labuckas, Sobeys
• Best Social Media Campaigning - Taylor Farms
• Best Educational Videos - Driscoll's
• Best Philanthropic Initiatives - FirstFruits Farms
• Best Snack Ad - Nature Fresh Farms™
• Best Email Ad Campaign - Fowler Packing
• Best Social Media Culinary Artistry - Westfalia Fruit
• Best Merchandising Concepts - Kings River Packing
• Best Website - Apeel Sciences
• Best Rebrand - Little Potato Company

A huge thank you to our Besties Awards Advisory Committee, composed of experienced retail buyers or individuals with substantial experience and knowledge in their respective fields.

For the awards process, our team handles the initial nominations to ensure each nominee meets our stringent standards. We then share our nominees with our Besties committee. This year, they voted on every category except for one: Retailer of the Year. Each committee member received a ballot with three nominations for each award category. Based on their votes, we determine the winners of the Bestie Awards.

Check out some of the friends who attended our 2024 event!

Thank you to all of our friends and award winners for a night full of joy and celebration. We cannot wait till next year!