Retail Merchant Innovation Award

The International Fresh Produce Association’s Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a Vice President, Director or Sales Manager (or equivalent position) in the retail sector that demonstrates passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption.

We are looking for:

Engaging stories
Positive impacts on consumers
Inspiring and creative approach to produce marketing

This award recognizes the “best of the best” retailers (including wholesale grocers) in five store-count categories, and winners will be recognized onstage at The Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim in October. One winner will be named in each of these:

1-50 stores
51-150 stores
151-250 stores
251-399 stores

400+ stores

Nominations open May 1, 2024 through July 12, 2024

(Please note that past IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award winners are not eligible for nomination)

The 5 winners will be recognized on stage at the Retail Awards Reception at the Global Produce & Floral show, October 17-19th in Atlanta, GA.

IFPA 2024 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

Price Mabry
VP Sales and Marketing
Corner Market

Price Mabry has garnered numerous honors and awards throughout his career, underscoring his outstanding contributions to the industry. Notably, early in his journey, he received consecutive nominations for the "Up and Coming Produce Professional of the Year" by the Southeast Produce Council, a testament to his rising prominence in the field. Price's excellence was further acknowledged in 2021 when he was included in the 40 Under 40 list by Produce Business Magazine and featured in Generation Next by The Produce News. Continuing to shine, Price was honored in 2023 with recognition in The Packer 25 and named among the Southeast Emerging Leaders by the Shelby Report, solidifying his status as a leader and innovator in the produce industry. Price's dedication extends beyond the realm of retail, as evidenced by his deep involvement in the communities where Corner Market operates.

Joe Hansen
Produce Category Merchant
Wegmans

A 41-year veteran at Wegmans, Joe has managed almost every category in the produce department but currently oversees Apples, Pears, Berries and Grapes and has been instrumental in driving results for the produce industry at Wegmans. As the person responsible for Berries, Grapes, and Apples, Joe has implemented innovative marketing initiatives, such as designing cases for berries to be prominently displayed at the front of the department, making it the largest category in the company. His focused assortment and merchandising for apples have made high-flavor items the obvious choice, driving additional results for the category and overall business. Joe 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. Joe's partnerships with growers have driven results for both the grower and retailer, and his humble and thoughtful leadership has earned him a reputation for executing at the highest level.

Mike Emery
Director of Produce Category
Hannaford Supermarket

Michael Emery, responsible for Fresh Produce Merchandising, Pricing, and Category for Hannaford Supermarkets, is recognized for his extraordinary drive, passion, and dedication, leading company initiatives, coaching on merchandising, and inspiring innovation and growth across the ADUSA company. His 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 5 to 10 years. Mike's leadership and deep understanding of the customer have elevated Hannaford Produce, driving store performance, market share, and customer traffic, while fostering a culture of curiosity and excellence within his team and across the company. Mike's exceptional involvement in local charities and nonprofits, along with his genuine care for people, has earned him the highest recognition as a Hannaford Leader, the John Russell Award.

Ron Lovelace
Director of Produce & Floral
Meijer, Inc.

Under the leadership of Director of Produce Ron Lovelace, 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. Ron's extensive experience in the retail industry played a crucial role in the successful launch and full distribution of these compostable bags at all Meijer stores, supported by vibrant in-store signage and a QR code that has been used over 10,000 times. Shoppers can now purchase a popular organic produce item with innovative sustainable packaging, which has generated 3.7 million impressions and 10.4% store traffic viewability, with 69% of buyers being new to the item. Ron's nearly 20-year tenure at Meijer, marked by his vision, passion, and adaptability, has fostered a strong partnership with Bolthouse Farms and earned him recognition for his leadership and dedication to both customers and team members.

Meghan Diaz
Sr. Director of Local & Regional Produce
Sprouts Farmer’s Market

Meghan Diaz is known for her collaboration with several suppliers for initiatives at Sprouts, including a successful program in 2023 and 2024 to highlight Florida-grown Passion Fruit from a women and family-owned grower in Okeechobee, FL. This initiative not only increased Sprouts sales and demand for Passion Fruit but also strengthened partnerships between Frieda's, the grower, and Sprouts, enhancing Sprouts' reputation for locally grown, seasonally relevant, and on-trend items. The collaboration between Frieda's and Meghan led to effective merchandising for Passion Fruit, resulting in a repeat promotion in 2024, the introduction of a new Passion Fruit 3 pack, and significant growth for Frieda's brand, including a 1,000 follower increase on Instagram and outpacing category growth by over 100 points in unit, volume, and sales growth. Meghan exemplifies transparent partnership by setting clear expectations, providing honest feedback, and creating a strong feedback loop to ensure continuous improvement. Meghan is a confident, honest, and authentic leader who inspires others through her personal and professional experiences, actively supports local agriculture and charities, and is highly regarded by peers, coworkers, suppliers, and industry leaders.

Thank you to our sponsor

Randy Bohaty Director of Produce B&R Stores, Inc.	Christina Stipe Director Produce/Floral Price Chopper & Market 32
Mil Mijanovic Produce Sales Manager Albertsons Companies – Safeway NorCal Division	Erin Tice Senior Category Manager Sprouts Farmers Market
Shawn Peery National Vice President Produce Albertsons Companies

Brian Penfield Director of Produce Sendik's Food Markets	Jim Gaylord Category Merchant Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Barry Paul Produce Sales Manager Shaw's Supermarkets	Jeff Mallory VP Produce Hy-Vee, Inc.
Vic Savanello Regional Vice President Produce and Floral Merchandising

Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program

IFPA 2024 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

Thank you to our sponsor

2023 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

2022 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners