WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This program recognizes 25 outstanding retail produce managers for their innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, increased store sales and recognition among company peers.
The Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, sponsored by Dole Food Company, Inc. and now in its 16th year, pays special recognition to produce managers on the front line in supermarkets working every day to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“This is Dole’s sixth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program,” shared Johan Linden, CEO of Dole Food Company. “These men and women do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this program gives us a platform to express our sincere thanks on behalf of our company and our industry.”
25 award winners, along with their corporate produce directors, will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registration to United Fresh 2020 Convention & Expo, taking place June 16-19 in San Diego, CA.
“The ability to creatively merchandise product, interact with customers, and oversee the growth of not only the department’s offerings, but also the people within the department, is paramount,” noted Jeff Cady, Director of Produce & Floral, Tops Friendly Markets and Chairman of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board. “Fresh produce is a vital part of our day-to-day business and being able to manage it successfully is invaluable and truly appreciated throughout the industry.”
Since the program’s inception, over 325 produce managers from over 106 different retail banners have been honored. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 program. Nomination forms may be accessed online at www.unitedfresh.org and must be received by January 15, 2020.
For more information about the program, including selection criteria and a list of past winners visit www.unitedfresh.org, or contact Spencer Crawford, United Fresh’s Manager of Industry Relations at scrawford@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3415.
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About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite our industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption.
About Dole Food Company
Dole Food Company, Inc., is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education and is proud to honor the Produce Managers who are driven to make a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live. For more information, visit www.dole.com
