NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - All eyes are on the retail sector as the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) presents the winners of its Retail Merchant Innovation Award. Turning the spotlight on some of the top executives spearheading retail innovation, these leaders will be recognized at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show during the Retail Awards Reception on October 20.

“These winners demonstrate passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption,” noted IFPA Vice President Joe Watson. “With this award, IFPA recognizes and celebrates the ‘best of the best’ retailers. We will hear from them at the global show and take the opportunity to congratulate them.”

According to a press release, IFPA awarded this year’s winners across five different categories based on store count. The winners include:

• Randy Bohaty, B&R Stores (1–50 stores), Director of Produce, Lincoln, Nebraska
• Christina Stipe, Price Chopper & Market 32 (51–150 stores), Director Produce/Floral, Albany, New York
• Mil Mijanovic, Albertsons Companies – Safeway NorCal Division (151–250 stores), Produce Sales Manager, Pleasanton, California
• Erin Tice, Sprouts Farmers Market (251–399 stores), Senior Category Manager, Phoenix, Arizona
• Shawn Peery, Albertsons Companies (400-plus stores), National Vice President Produce, Boise, Idaho

“We congratulate these innovative retail execs,” Watson added. “They inspire others in the industry to think creatively about their approach to produce marketing!”

For insights into why each of these well-deserving winners were selected, click here.

Congrats to all of these retail leaders! ANUK will continue to report on the retail sphere and beyond.

International Fresh Produce Association