WASHINGTON, DC - The United Fresh Produce Association has announced the honorees of its 2020 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. Sponsored by Dole Food Company, United Fresh is once again recognizing exceptional retail produce managers representing supermarket banners, commissaries, and independent retail stores from 16 different states and Canada.

“As the face of our industry in-store, retail produce managers play a significant role in influencing a consumer’s decision to shop for fresh produce,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “More so than ever before, we are extremely fortunate to have these outstanding produce managers representing our industry and working each day to deliver a positive customer experience in the produce department during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re especially grateful for their resolve in the face of this public health crisis.”

According to a press release, these winners were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by retailers and produce suppliers across the industry. Nominations were evaluated on several criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

“This is Dole’s sixth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program,” said Johan Linden, CEO, Dole Food Company. “These essential workers are most valuable to our industry as consumers trust in their knowledge of the healthy benefits and safety of fresh produce. They do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this program gives us a platform to express our sincere thanks on behalf of our company and our industry.”

The 2020 Retail Produce Manager Award Winners are:

• Michael Foint, Big Y Foods, Inc, Amherst, MA
• Freddie Dowell, Brookshire Grocery Company, Malakoff, TX
• Dave Baxter, Daniels Sentry Foods, Walworth, WI
• Jaleisha Freeman, Oceana Naval Air Station Commissary, Virginia Beach, VA
• Steve Kaluahine, Gelson's Market, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
• John Hollenden, Giant Food Stores, Warrington, PA
• Paul Rosen, Good Foods Store, Missoula, MT
• Gabriel Cabrera, Grocery Outlet, Visalia, CA
• Clay Williams, Harps Food Stores, Fayetteville, AR
• Ricky Morrison, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Charlotte/Harrisburg, NC
• Ronnie Minteer, Hy-Vee, Inc., Springfield, IL
• Brian Lowery, Jewel-Osco, Chicago, IL
• Christine Burton, Kroger Company, Shelbyville, IN
• Randy Davis, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City), Gatlinburg, TN
• Maynard Miller, Martin's Super Markets, Nappanee, IN
• Tammy Joseph, Meijer, Cedar Springs, MI
• Kevin MacLeod, Metro Ontario Inc., Orleans, ON, Canada
• Bill Ryder, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Tullahoma, TN
• Michael Thomas, Raley's Family of Fine Stores, Carson City, NV
• Josh Smith, Rouses Supermarkets, New Orleans, LA
• Ken Marske, Schmitz's Economart, Spooner, WI
• Jose Garcia, Sprouts Farmers Market, Santee, CA
• Eduardo Queirolo, The Fresh Market, Aventura, FL
• Brad Franklin, Tops Friendly Markets, Towanda, PA
• Robert Fowler, Whole Foods Market, Chicago, IL

While many in the industry are impacted by the effects of COVID-19, these 25 produce managers have worked every day on the front lines to increase the sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the program’s inception in 2005, over 325 retail produce managers, representing more than 110 different retail banners, have been honored for their contributions to the industry.

All winners will be honored during the Retail-Foodservice Celebration at United Fresh LIVE!, a virtual event platform where the Retail-Foodservice Celebration will be hosted in real-time, the week of June 15.

In addition to their awards, five Grand Prize recipients will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. Registration is free and available at www.unitedfreshlive.org.

We at ANUK would like to say thanks to all retail produce managers for their hard work and a big congratulations to all the winners this year!

United Fresh Produce Association