Who's driving innovation at retail? The International Fresh Produce Association has named five top executives as the winners of its Retail Merchant Innovation Award, all of whom will be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 18 at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta, according to a news release.
“These winners have elevated their retail strategy to new heights while driving produce consumption,” said IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice and Wholesale Joe Watson. “We are thrilled to honor them with well-deserved recognition on a global stage.”
IFPA awarded winners in five store-count categories:
Price Mabry, vice president sales and marketing, Corner Market (1-50 stores), Hattiesburg, Miss.
Price Mabry has garnered numerous honors and awards throughout his career, underscoring his outstanding contributions to the industry, says IFPA. Mabry was honored in 2023 as an honoree in The Packer 25. He received consecutive nominations for the "Up and Coming Produce Professional of the Year" by the Southeast Produce Council. In 2021, he was included in the 40 Under 40 list by Produce Business Magazine and featured in Generation Next by The Produce News. Mabry was also named among the Southeast Emerging Leaders by the Shelby Report.
Joe Hansen, produce category merchant, Wegmans (51-150 stores), Rochester, N.Y.
A 41-year veteran at Wegmans, Hansen has managed almost every category in the produce department. He has implemented innovative marketing initiatives, such as designing cases for berries to be prominently displayed at the front of the department, making it the largest category in the company. Hansen has also used digital tactics, including digital coupons and supplier stores, to reach customers who don't enter the store. His dedication to educating store teams about how items are grown and sharing supplier stories has enhanced the customer experience, the release said.
Emery is recognized for his extraordinary drive, passion and dedication, leading company initiatives, coaching on merchandising and inspiring innovation and growth across the ADUSA company. His passion for merchandising is evident in his leadership of Hannaford Supermarket's fresh produce, where he ensures the execution of merchandising strategies and the development of future strategy pillars for the next five to 10 years, the release said. Emery's leadership and deep understanding of the customer have elevated Hannaford Produce, driving store performance, market share and customer traffic.
Ron Lovelace, director of produce and floral, Meijer, Inc. (251-399 stores), Grand Rapids, Mich.
Under Ron Lovelace's leadership, Meijer is committed to promoting sustainability among its produce suppliers. One example is the introduction of Bolthouse Fresh Foods' Organic Mini Peeled Carrots in compostable bags made from renewable sources. The successful launch and full distribution of these compostable bags at all Meijer stores was supported by vibrant in-store signage and a QR code that has been used over 10,000 times. It has generated 3.7 million impressions and 10.4% store traffic viewability, with 69% of buyers being new to the item, the release said.
Meghan Diaz, senior director of local and regional produce, Sprouts Farmers Market (400+ stores), Phoenix, Ariz.
Meghan Diaz exemplifies transparent partnership by setting clear expectations, providing honest feedback, and creating a strong feedback loop to ensure continuous improvement, the release said. A confident, honest and authentic leader who inspires others through her personal and professional experiences, she actively supports local agriculture and charities. Diaz is known for her collaboration with several suppliers for initiatives at Sprouts, including a successful program in 2023 and 2024 to highlight Florida-grown Passion Fruit from a women and family-owned grower in Okeechobee, Fla.
“Congratulations to these innovative retail execs for demonstrating remarkable creativity and dedication to advancing the industry and setting a new standard of excellence in produce marketing,” Watson said. “We look forward to seeing the continued impact of their unique strategies."
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The International Fresh Produce Association has named five top executives as the winners of its Retail Merchant Innovation Award, all of whom shall be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 18 at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta.
(Photo courtesy of IFPA)
(Photo courtesy of IFPA)
by The Packer Staff, Sep 26, 2024