10 things you may not know about the Retail Produce Manager Awards

You probably know the deadline is coming soon for the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards.

(Hint: It's Jan. 6).

You also probably know that winners and their corporate managers receive a complimentary trip to United Fresh. You might even know that five winners are chosen for cash prizes each year at a fancy dinner.

But the program is so much more for a produce manager — and you. Don't take it from me. Here are 10 things you may not know about the Retail Produce Manager Awards, direct from retailers who are both new to the program, and those who have had winners every year since the program's inception in 2005.

1. It takes about a month to choose winners. To date, the program has recognized nearly 300 produce managers from 90 banners, says Jeff Oberman, vice president of trade relations for United Fresh. The selection committee is made up of former retailers, merchandisers and produce industry representatives who review and contrast nominations for a month to determine winners. “Each year, the numbers and quality of nominations continue to grow and improve,” Oberman says. 
2. You'll get a face-to-face visit.  “A major change during the past two years has been the commitment of the program's sponsor, Dole Food Co., to make the awards program a ‘year-round' celebration that culminates at the United Fresh show in Chicago,” Oberman says. Part of that year-round celebration has been in-store visits with winners, to build excitement not only in the industry, but also in their communities.
3. Being a part of their local community is a factor in how winners are chosen.   “Not only do these produce managers exhibit strong leadership, but one of the major criteria used in selecting the 25 winning Retail Produce Managers is their community service,” Oberman says. “The impact they have on the store and the community does not stop there, as they participate in school events, fundraisers and local entertainment and sporting events.”

    

4. But getting recognized by their professional community …that's priceless, says Alfonso Cano, director of produce at Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Anaheim, Calif. “This is recognition by your peers by a global organization. It's an award for produce guys by produce guys,” he says. “That's what I love about it. When you get judged by your peers, you know it's real and you know it's authentic.”
5. Corporate leadership beyond produce takes note, too, says Jeff Cady, director of produce for Tops Friendly Markets, Williamsburg, N.Y. “I knew the produce managers would be happy and proud, but this award takes those emotions to the next level,” he says. “Another surprise is how happy and proud the leadership at Tops Markets was. I knew they would be happy, but not to this extent.”

   
   

    

6. It sets the bar high. Cady says winning the award is just the start. “The managers strive to do even better than they already do because they have a reputation to live up to, so to speak,” he says.
7. Winners relish the opportunity to come learn about the industry, says Mike Orf, assistant vice president of produce operations for West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee Inc. “A big piece is in educating customers (on) how to select, prepare and cook with our produce,” Orf says. “Also, in introducing new products, flavors and colors today's supply chain has to offer.”
8. Even a produce manager is surprised at the scope of the industry. “They were really impressed with the United Fresh Show and seeing firsthand just how big the industry is,” Cady says. “They now have a better idea of how the produce industry works from field to fork.”

   
   

9. You may lose your produce manager, in the best way possible. “The awards program is really one of the biggest highlights of these produce managers' careers,” Orf says. “We've also had some individuals that have received promotions into the corporate office, as well as a few that have become store directors in our company.”
10. Heads up, nominators. To facilitate in-store visits before the United Fresh Show June 13-15 in Chicago, Oberman says United Fresh moved the deadline up to Jan. 6. Program information is available at UnitedFresh.org/RMA.