MONTEREY, CA - Much of my year built up to July 11, when we would host a close-knit group of produce innovators and brand-makers to honor what they do for our industry. To give back and spotlight those that work tirelessly not to just help provide fresh produce, but to make it engaging, enjoyable, and—frankly—cool.

The AndNowUKnow and The Snack team had the privilege of hosting guests at the beautiful Monterey Marriott for our second annual Besties Award Event, connecting critical thinkers and change-makers, as well as crowning the recipients of these newly launched business-to-business accolades.

“Being part of the produce trade news has always invigorated my soul. Getting to tell the stories of this industry is an honor, and the Besties allow us to continue our commitment to you,” AndNowUKnow’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Lambert shared with me, reconnecting with the purpose of this still-new launch.

So, without further ado, congratulations to the 2023 Besties Award recipients:

Lifetime Achievement

• Mark Hilton, Recently Retired, Harris Teeter

Best Marketer to Work With

• Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource

Annual Snack Storyteller

• John Pandol, Pandol Brothers

Best Snack Ad

• Sunview Vineyards and Marketing

Best Email Ad Campaign

• 4Earth^™ Farms

Best Rebrand

• Chelan Fresh

Best Merchandising Campaign

• Dole Food Company

Best Alternative Marketing Campaign

• Nature Fresh Farms

Best Podcast

• The Fresh CrEd

Best Philanthropic Initiatives

• Shuman Farms

Best Social Media Culinary Artistry

• Frieda’s

Best Social Media Campaign

• D’Arrigo New York

Best Educational Videos

• Homegrown Organic Farms^®

In addition to the joy of spotlighting the “Besties of the best,” we had a surprise addition to the process in welcoming eight buy-side experts to help determine the winners for several titles.

We were honored by the enthusiastic support, care, and discernment with which each of these produce mavens cast their votes to add to what we hope becomes a long-standing recognition in the business of making fresh better. A special “Thank you” goes out to each for helping to determine recipients based both on their own experiences and expertise, in addition to ours.

Wondering about how these Besties got their titles? We’ll be diving into each award, as well as the latest to win it, in an upcoming series to further celebrate the efforts of these incredible individuals.

With our wheels already turning on how to make this even better, I am so excited for Besties 2024. Thank you to this amazing industry for helping me and our team love what we do.