WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh is now accepting nominations for the 2018 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 and now in its 14th 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.
“The ability to creatively merchandise the product, interact with the customers, and oversee the growth of not only the product, but the people within the department, is paramount,” noted Jeff Cady, Director of Produce/Floral at Tops Friendly Markets and Vice Chairman of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board. “Produce is a vital part of our day to day business, and being able to undertake this and manage it successfully is something we truly appreciate and want to recognize in these individuals.”
25 award winners, along with their corporate produce directors, will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registration to United Fresh 2018, taking place June 25-27 in Chicago. The winners will be honored on Wednesday, June 27, where five grand prize winners will be announced as recipients of an additional $1,000 cash prize.
As one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, Dole Food Company, Inc., is proud to honor the Produce Managers who are driven to make a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live. “This is Dole’s forth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year Award, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program. These men and women do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this gives us an opportunity to recognize that contribution and genuinely say thank you,” shared Tim Stejskal, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sales for Dole Fresh Vegetables
Since the program’s inception, over 300 produce managers from over 100 different retail banners have been honored. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 program. Nomination forms may be accessed online at www.unitedfresh.org/rma and must be received by Friday January 12, 2018.
For more information about the program, including selection criteria and a list of past winners visit, www.unitedfresh.org/rma, or contact Jeff Oberman, United Fresh Vice President, Trade Relations at joberman@unitedfresh.org or 831-600-8922.
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About United Fresh Produce Association
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
About Dole Food Company
As one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, Dole Food Company, Inc., 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
Source: United Fresh Produce Association