WASHINGTON, DC - Those at retail pushing the produce agenda are heroes in our eyes. International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) agrees, announcing the winners of its Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program.

“Through dedication to our industry, innovative merchandising, and customer engagement, these individuals have demonstrated passion and purpose and have direct impact on growing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said IFPA’s Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale, Joe Watson. “We congratulate the winners and look forward to celebrating them at the Global Produce & Floral Show later this month.”

The program, sponsored by Sage Fruit Company, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a Vice President or Director who demonstrates passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption.

“Sage Fruit is honored to sponsor this award program and excited to celebrate the winners of IFPA’s Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program. Without all the great displays that are built daily, produce sales would not be as high as they are. These artists in produce departments are crucial to the success of the store and the overall image that is projected to the consumer,” stated Chuck Sinks, President of Sales and Marketing for Sage Fruit, in a press release.

The winners are as follows:

• 1-50 Stores: Brian Penfield, Director of Produce, Sendik's Food Markets
• 51-150 Stores: Jim Gaylord, Category Merchant, Wegmans Food Markets
• 151-250 Stores: Barry Paul, Produce Sales Manager, Shaw’s Supermarkets
• 251-399 Stores: Jeff Mallory, Vice President of Produce, Hy-Vee
• 400+ Stores: Vic Savanello, Regional Vice President, Produce and Floral Merchandising, SpartanNash

They will be recognized at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show where they will attend as VIPs. 

Congratulations to all who won this prestigious award!

International Fresh Produce Association