SACRAMENTO, CA - Confession time: I used to hate giving thanks during Thanksgiving. I know, it’s right there in the name—what did I expect? But voicing my gratitude has never come easy to me, a trait that I’m working on as I get older. Now that I’m not an awkward teenager or a rebellious 20-something, I find it easier to share with family and friends the things that I love about them most.

But rather than listen to my gratitude, let’s hop into what folks across the buy-side had to say.

Robby Cruz, Vice President of Produce, Target

I am so grateful for my family and friends. Nothing fills my energy up like spending time having great food, playing games, and having great conversations. I always say work is like my second family and I hope they can get that same quality time.

Chris Keetch, Director of Produce and Floral, The GIANT Company

I am grateful for a very large and supportive family that stretches from California to Pennsylvania to Canada. I'm grateful for my wife and kids who put up with my antics on a daily basis! I am not me without them. I am grateful for The GIANT Company and the trust they put in me to lead the best produce and floral team in the industry in order to serve a broad customer base across our operating area. I am grateful for my team, for the way they show up to meet every day head-on, 24/7/365. Again, this time professionally, I am not me without them. I am grateful for the supplier community and the broad network of farmers and growers for supporting our role of meeting the needs of and feeding families. I am grateful to wake up every morning to a new day and new opportunity.

Jeff Cady, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Tops Friendly Markets

I am grateful to work in an industry where I get to come to work every day and be part of the solution by providing consumers with healthy and nutritious food choices every day. I am also grateful I get to work with genuine, passionate people both in my company as well as the many partners we work with to make sure we have the supply for our customers. Lastly, I am thankful for my family because, without their love, support, and sacrifice, I wouldn't have the time, energy, or motivation to do this job at the high level it needs to be done at every day.

Julie Olivarria, Vice President of Produce, Sysco

So grateful for family, friends, health, and the best team in the industry! Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving from the ANUK family to yours.