United Fresh Seeks Outstanding Produce Managers

The United Fresh Produce Association is calling for nominations for its 2014 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, which will honor 25 outstanding finalists at its annual convention, June 10-13 in Chicago.

In its 10th year, United Fresh’s Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, in conjunction with founding sponsor Ready Pac Foods, Inc., recognizes excellence in the ranks of supermarket produce managers who work daily to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

'More than an award'

“This program is an incredible opportunity for retailers everywhere to put forth their top produce managers as a chance for them to be recognized as leaders in their field,” said Randy Scott, produce category manager, Delhaize America, and chairman of United’s Retail-Foodservice board. “For the winning produce managers, this is more than an award. This is an affirmation of their hard work and a thank you for their tremendous commitment to our industry.”

Since the program’s inception, 200 produce managers from 70 different retail banners have been honored for their commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, and recognition among company peers.

This year, 25 award winners, along with their corporate produce directors, will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to the United Fresh 2014 convention. The winners will be honored at the Produce Celebration Gala on Wednesday, June 11, where five grand-prize winners will be announced as recipients of an additional $1,000 cash prize.

“Ready Pac takes great pride in recognizing the industry’s leading produce managers through this program,” said Tony Sarsam, CEO of Ready Pac Foods, Inc. “These men and women are the face of our industry to the consumer and we greatly appreciate their exceptional work and commitment.”

Nomination forms can be accessed online and must be received by Feb. 28, 2014.

For additional information, contact Shannon Young, United Fresh education manager, at [email protected] or 202-303-3405.