WATCH: Produce Artist Award Series Spring 2021 Results Webinar

Didn't get to join us live for the Produce Artist Award Series Spring 2021 results webinar? We've got you covered. You can watch the full recording in the video above.

Highlights of the spring webinar included the first repeat winner in our series, which focuses on excellent seasonal merchandising. Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator for Ephrata, Pa.-based Four Seasons Produce, was named the top entry in the merchandiser category for a second straight season. He also won that distinction in the winter 2021 season.

"To win once is really great, and to be recognized again by some amazing veteran industry leaders is very, very humbling. I'm super excited," Dey said. "I express my deep gratitude and thanks to everyone who chose my pictures. I know you posted some amazing photos from around the country from some great produce artists ... There were some really, really amazing photos out there, so to be chosen over those is surprising but yet at the same time very humbling and super appreciated."

Merchandising and training

While Dey might be most known across the social media landscape for his impeccable merchandising, training is his favorite part of the job.

"I love building these displays, of course, increasing sales and margins and introducing new things, but the most rewarding part of my job and the one I take the most pride in is to be able to bring up that next produce superstar," Dey said. "I've had many amazing mentors over the course of my career, patient ones as well, and to be able to pass on that knowledge that they gave to me is super special."

The webinar panelists, who review all the photos for each season and give feedback on their favorites, commended Dey's creativity and his enthusiasm for training.

Industry veteran Joe Watson, the 2014 winner of PMG's Produce Retailer of the Year award, likened Dey's influence to that of legendary sports figures who build what are commonly referred to as "coaching trees."

Mike O'Brien, another longtime produce retail executive and 2004 winner of the Produce Retailer of the Year award, expressed the same sentiment.

"The great merchandisers are leaders and they train and influence others, and I think you see that in all these pictures," O'Brien said.

Armand Lobato, another industry veteran who also has written for years for The Packer, said he hopes all the merchandising showcased in the Produce Artist Award Series inspires retail executives to invest in produce departments.

"There are many produce departments that don't look like this ... and what if they did?" Lobato said. "If there were produce displays like this everywhere, we would move so much more produce, I think it would just help (people form) healthier eating habits ...

"The fact is that at store level too many executives just look at the labor percentage or labor dollars, and with just a little bit more investment, I think they would have more sales and more profit," Lobato said.

Top produce manager award

The top produce manager entry went to Cassady Thomson with Good Earth Natural Foods in Fairfax, Calif.

Thomson's displays — which included several stellar wet rack photos and impressive mountains of mangoes — impressed the panel, as did the overall presentation in her department.

"Great conditions, great, beautiful fresh produce and everything is intentional," O'Brien said.

Lobato and Watson noted the precision use of supplier boxes in displays and the high standard set for the department overall by a sensational wet rack.

Honorable mentions

Other entries called out during the webinar were submitted by Frank Celerso with Nathel & Nathel, Chris Blackwood with Military Produce Group and Kay Greenley with Olsen's Piggly Wiggly.

Dozens of other entries were highlighted throughout the spring season on PMG's social media accounts, from LinkedIn to Facebook to Twitter to Instagram.