Top execs driving retail innovation – the winners of International Fresh Produce Association's Retail Merchant Innovation Award – will be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 17 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA.
"This year's winners exemplify how innovation and passion can transform the retail experience and inspire consumers to choose more fresh produce," said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice & wholesale. "Their leadership is not only elevating their companies but also moving the entire industry forward."
IFPA awarded winners in five store-count categories:
- Michelle Mayhew, Dorothy Lane Market (1-50 stores), director of produce, Dayton, Ohio: Mayhew has 45 years of experience, with 20+ years at Dorothy Lane Market. Her passion has always been merchandising–she loves the variety of colors and texture of produce, and views produce merchandising as an art form. When she found her home at Dorothy Lane Market, they enabled her to be a freelance merchandiser, which was a dream for Michelle, allowing her to bring her artistic visions to life.
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L-R: Mayhew, Collins, Bennett
- Richard Anderson, Smith's (51-150 stores), director of produce, Salt Lake City, Utah: Anderson started with Smith's in 2003 and has held many positions at store and division office levels, with the majority of his time working in produce. He has always approached his job and the business with the customers' best interests in mind and incorporating the feedback they provide to improve on opportunities to serve their communities.
- Scott Bennett, Jewel-Osco (151-200 stores), produce sales manager, Itasca, Ill.:
Benett has over 40 years of experience in produce, dedicating his career to delivering exceptional quality, driving sales, and elevating the customer experience. He leads with passion and creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional retail strategies. He is known for his trustworthy leadership, always delivering on commitments and building strong partnerships that help the produce industry grow and thrive. His forward-thinking approach has transformed how customers engage with produce and driven significant sales growth.
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L-R: Anderson, Hudgick
- Michael Collins, Harris Teeter (251-399 stores), senior manager of produce Operations, Matthews, N.C.: Collins oversees produce and floral specialists, merchandising strategies, and store execution. With more than two decades of experience in store management, operations, and merchandising, he is recognized for driving sales growth, improving efficiency, and developing high-performing teams. He has led initiatives on fixture design, department optimization, operational process improvements and more.
- Danielle Hudgick, Sprouts (400+ stores), sr. category manager, Phoenix, Ariz.: Hudgick oversees sourcing, merchandising and strategy for avocados, citrus and stone fruit. She has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, data-driven decision making, and a focus on organic growth.
"Congratulations to these retail execs for demonstrating remarkable creativity and setting a new standard of excellence in produce marketing," Watson said.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/