Leaders in produce retail to be recognized for their innovative strategies and contributions to the industry at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the winners of its prestigious Retail Merchant Innovation Award, recognizing top executives who have driven innovation in the retail produce sector. The recipients, chosen from five different store-count categories, will be honored at the Retail Awards Reception on October 18 during the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joe Watson, IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale, lauded the winners, emphasizing the influence they have had on elevating retail strategy and encouraging produce consumption. “These winners have elevated their retail strategy to new heights while driving produce consumption,” said Watson. “We are thrilled to honor them with well-deserved recognition on a global stage.”

The IFPA awardees represent various store sizes, with each recipient demonstrating significant contributions to their companies and the broader produce industry. Their innovations range from exceptional marketing tactics to promoting sustainability and local agriculture.

Price Mabry, Corner Market (1-50 Stores) Price Mabry, the VP of Sales and Marketing at Corner Market in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has earned widespread recognition for his achievements throughout his career. With consecutive nominations as the “Up and Coming Produce Professional of the Year” by the Southeast Produce Council, Mabry’s influence in the industry is well noted. His accomplishments include a place on Produce Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2021, recognition in Generation Next by The Produce News, and recent honors in The Packer 25. In 2023, Mabry was named among the Southeast Emerging Leaders by The Shelby Report.

Joe Hansen, Wegmans (51-150 Stores) Joe Hansen, Produce Category Merchant for Wegmans in Rochester, New York, brings 41 years of experience to the role, having managed nearly every aspect of the produce department. Hansen has revolutionized marketing strategies by placing a spotlight on berries, making them the largest category in the company. According to IFPA’s report, Hansen’s creative use of digital platforms, such as coupons and supplier features, has broadened customer reach beyond those who visit the store. His commitment to educating staff on product origins and supplier narratives has further enhanced the customer experience.

Mike Emery, Hannaford Supermarket (151-250 Stores) Mike Emery, the Director of Produce Category for Hannaford Supermarket in Scarborough, Maine, is praised for his passion and dedication. Emery’s approach includes leading company initiatives, providing coaching on merchandising, and fostering innovation across the ADUSA company. At Hannaford, he spearheads the fresh produce department’s merchandising strategies and shapes its future strategy pillars for the coming 5 to 10 years. His customer-centric leadership has driven not only Hannaford Produce’s market share but also customer traffic and overall store performance.

Ron Lovelace, Meijer, Inc. (251-399 Stores) Director of Produce & Floral at Meijer, Inc., Ron Lovelace has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices. One notable achievement was the rollout of Bolthouse Fresh Foods’ Organic Mini Peeled Carrots packaged in compostable bags derived from renewable resources. As stated in the press release, the bags’ successful introduction across Meijer stores was supported by in-store signage and an interactive QR code, which has seen over 10,000 uses. The campaign generated 3.7 million impressions and a store traffic viewability of 10.4%, with 69% of the item’s buyers being first-time purchasers.

Meghan Diaz, Sprouts Farmer’s Market (400+ Stores) Sprouts Farmer’s Market’s Senior Director of Local & Regional Produce, Meghan Diaz, is known for her transparent and collaborative leadership style. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Diaz actively works to support local agriculture and charities. Her commitment to transparent partnerships and feedback loops ensures continuous improvement. One of her notable achievements was a 2023-2024 program promoting Florida-grown passion fruit, sourced from a women and family-owned grower in Okeechobee, Florida, which highlights her dedication to local produce.

“Congratulations to these innovative retail execs for demonstrating remarkable creativity and dedication to advancing the industry and setting a new standard of excellence in produce marketing,” Watson added. He expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing impact of their strategies on the produce sector.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) The IFPA serves as the largest and most diverse international association for the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unify the industry, it provides advocacy, connects members, and offers guidance to drive purposeful actions and growth. The association emphasizes global advocacy combined with industry support, aiming to create a prosperous future for all its members.

This recognition from the IFPA underscores the efforts of retail leaders in developing innovative strategies to drive fresh produce marketing, ultimately benefiting consumers and the industry as a whole.