So, you may have read why we thought Chris Miller of MOM's Organic Market deserved to win PMG's 2022 Produce Retailer of the Year.
But don't take our word for it. Let's hear it from the industry. Here's what suppliers say about Chris:
1. “Chris Miller and the MOM’s produce buyers go out of their way to help local farmers, and we proudly count them as friends. We’ve known them for over a decade, and they make us feel like equitable partners instead of vendors. If we have any problems at all, they jump at the chance to help us, and vice versa. It’s been a fantastic relationship in our view. Basically, they totally rock by every metric.” — Will Mitchell, co-owner of Potomac Valley Organics, Damascus, Md.
2. “Chris Miller and his team are dedicated to MOM’s Organic Market and the customers they serve, as well as being fair and loyal to suppliers.” — Tom Marrolli, senior business manager for State Garden and its Olivia’s Organics salads brand, Chelsea, Mass.
3. “Chris Miller exemplifies the impact that an independent, value-driven retailer like MOMs can have by empowering their produce director to support purchasing from businesses that match their values … Bananas and avocados are two of the biggest-selling items in the produce department, and thanks to Chris’ skill and ability to navigate the ups and downs of global small farmer programs, the impact of this ethical purchasing is felt directly by thousands of farmers from Ecuador, Peru and Mexico. Chris is an asset to our industry and a model for other produce directors in how to work with growers and suppliers to combine ethical purchasing with economic realities and retail savvy.” — Nicole Vitello, president of Equal Exchange Produce
4. “MOM’s director of produce, Chris Miller, leads his team to provide fresh merchandise to consumers who can count on MOM’s for organic fruits and vegetables of exceptional quality.” — Tim Harrington, merchandising manager at Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
5. “Chris Miller is passionate about the fresh produce industry and a lifelong learner. That passion shines through in his contagious enthusiasm for great seasonal and quality products, in his focus on strong relationships with all the people involved in the supply chain, and in his persistence in moving programs forward that create benefit for a variety of stakeholders. I admire how Chris leads through adversity while sticking to his ideals and never loses his enjoyment for being part of making the world of fresh food better.” — Jon Steffy, vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Produce Inc., Ephrata, Pa.