Top execs driving retail innovation – the winners of the International Fresh Produce Association's Retail Merchant Innovation Award – will be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 18 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
"These winners have elevated their retail strategy to new heights while driving produce consumption," said IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice & wholesale Joe Watson. "We are thrilled to honor them with well-deserved recognition on a global stage."
IFPA awarded winners in five store-count categories:
Price Mabry, Corner Market (1-50 stores), VP sales and marketing, Hattiesburg, Miss
Mabry received consecutive nominations for the "Up and Coming Produce Professional of the Year" by the Southeast Produce Council. In 2021, he was included in the 40 Under 40 list by Produce Business Magazine and featured in Generation Next by The Produce News. Price was honored in 2023 with recognition in The Packer 25 and named among the Southeast Emerging Leaders by the Shelby Report.
Top row L-R: Mabry, Hansen, Emery; bottom row L-R: Lovelace, Diaz
Joe Hansen, Wegmans (51-150 stores), produce category merchant, Rochester, N.Y.
Hansen has managed almost every category in the produce department. He has implemented innovative marketing initiatives, such as designing cases for berries to be displayed at the front of the department. He has also utilized digital tactics, including digital coupons and supplier stores, to reach customers who don't enter the store. His dedication to educating store teams about how items are grown and sharing supplier stories has enhanced the customer experience.
Mike Emery, Hannaford Supermarket (151-250 stores), director of produce category, Scarborough, Maine
Emery's passion for merchandising is evident in his leadership of Hannaford Supermarket's Fresh Produce, where he ensures the execution of merchandising strategies and the development of future strategy pillars for the next five to 10 years. His leadership and understanding of customers have elevated Hannaford Produce, driving store performance, market share, and customer traffic.
Ron Lovelace, Meijer, Inc. (251-399 stores), director of produce & floral, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Meijer is committed to promoting sustainability among its suppliers, exemplified by the introduction of Bolthouse Fresh Foods' Organic Mini Peeled Carrots in compostable bags made from renewable sources. The successful launch and distribution of these bags at all Meijer stores was supported by vibrant in-store signage and a QR code that has been used over 10,000 times.
Meghan Diaz, Sprouts Farmer's Market (400+ stores), sr. director of local & regional produce, Phoenix, Arizona
Diaz exemplifies transparent partnership by setting expectations, providing feedback, and creating a strong feedback loop to ensure improvement. A leader who inspires others, she supports local agriculture and charities. Diaz is known for her collaboration with several suppliers for initiatives at Sprouts, including a program in 2023 and 2024 to highlight Florida-grown passionfruit from a women and family-owned grower in Okeechobee, Florida.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/