2026 IFPA Retail Produce Manager Awards Spotlight 20 Leaders Advancing Retail Produce 

WASHINGTON – International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the 20 recipients of the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement, and exceptional customer service.

Representing a wide variety of retailers, these produce managers play a critical role in connecting consumers with fresh fruits and vegetables while driving sales, inspiring their teams, and creating memorable shopping experiences. Their recognition is made possible through the continued support of award sponsor Robinson Fresh and media sponsor Blue Book.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners:

• Lauren Perkins of Fred Meyer/Kroger, Shoreline, WA
• Antonio Mai of Fresh Thyme Market, Geneva, IL
• Christopher Latour of Giant Eagle/Market District, Strongsville, OH
• Jamie Peavey of Hannaford, Dover, NH
• Chris Sanders of Harps Food Stores, Elkins, AR
• Michael Ferro of Meijer, Davison, MI
• Craig Belanger of Price Chopper/Market 32, Middletown, CT
• David Gonzales of Randalls, Houston, TX
• Jonathan Wilkinson of Roche Bros Supermarkets, West Roxbury, MA 
• Josh Mock of Schnucks, St. Louis, MO
• Michelle Rocha of Safeway, San Jose, CA
• Randy Hall of Shaw’s, Hanson, MA
• Rui Lima of Star Market, Harwich, MA
• Herbert Chavez of Stop & Shop, Rocky Point, NY
• Ricky Allemand of Super 1 Foods, Carencro, LA
• Renato Barrantes of The Fresh Market, Orlando, FL
• Robynn Orndorf of The GIANT Company, Mechanicsburg, PA
• Efrain Hernandez of Tom Thumb, Firewheel, TX
• Aaron Brown of Tops Friendly Markets, Dunkirk, NY
• Davouce Michel of Whole Foods Market, Boston, MA

“Produce managers are at the heart of the fresh department, combining expertise, creativity, and a passion for serving their communities,” said Jessica Keller, IFPA’s VP of Global Industry Relations. “The 2026 Retail Produce Manager Award recipients exemplify what it means to lead with excellence, helping shoppers discover fresh foods while elevating the in-store experience every day to ensure repeat customer transactions.”

“Robinson Fresh is honored to recognize these exceptional produce managers and the impact they have on their stores, their customers, and the broader produce industry,” said Jose Rossignoli, President of Robinson Fresh. “Their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service helps inspire healthier choices and strengthens the connection between consumers and fresh produce.”

On October 15, the winners will be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception during IFPA’s 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, October 14–16, in Orlando, Florida. During the reception, five produce managers will be named Grand Prize Winners.

The Retail Produce Manager Awards program invites nominations from across the industry to recognize produce managers who are setting new standards for excellence in retail produce. More information about the awards program is available on IFPA’s website.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.