FFVA Awards Publix Merchandiser of the Year

ORLANDO, Fla. --The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, convening here for its annual convention this week, recognized two Publix supermarket produce executives this week for their efforts to promote Florida strawberries.

The association presented the 2005 Merchandiser of the Year award to Paul Keating and Roger Meehan at its 62nd convention held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) nominated the pair for the award after working with them on a display contest involving produce departments in 849 stores throughout the Southeast. "We thank Publix for their support and congratulate them on a successful campaign," said FSGA director Chip Hinton.

Keating and Meehan handled logistics from the retail side, while the promotion also featured Florida strawberries in print advertising, as well.

"It's gratifying to see the efforts that Publix has made to promote an important Florida-grown product," said Danny Raulerson, FFVA's director of marketing, who noted that this most recent honor is just the latest in a series of recognitions that Publix has received over the years.

FFVA is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

Pictured (l-r) are Paul Keating (Publix), Gerald Mixon (citrus grower and convention co-chair), and Garry Bergstrom, who was standing in for Roger Meehan.
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