Nominations Open Until June 13 to Honor Behind-the-Scenes Excellence in Produce Industry
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has announced a new initiative aimed at highlighting individuals whose crucial contributions often go unnoticed in the produce industry.
Named “The Unseen Hero Award,” this recognition seeks to honor those working diligently behind the scenes, from growers and packers to shippers, retailers, and foodservice workers, whose consistent dedication ensures the smooth functioning of the produce supply chain.
Nominations for deserving individuals are currently being accepted and will remain open until June 13, 2025.
This new award, introduced on March 20, 2025, underscores the importance of acknowledging the individuals whose dedication and hard work substantially influence the success of their teams, companies, and the industry at large.
The nominees should exemplify characteristics such as integrity, dedication, teamwork, initiative, and substantial industry impact.
Candidates eligible for the Unseen Hero Award must demonstrate a proven track record of commitment to their role, influencing improvements within their organization or the broader produce community.
Additionally, nominees should showcase exceptional leadership qualities, frequently going above and beyond their designated responsibilities, and actively fostering positive collaboration and teamwork within their working environment.
The SEPC emphasizes that individuals honored should embody the core values that the produce council promotes and which reflect positively on the industry as a whole.
The nomination process for The Unseen Hero Award has been structured in an accessible and straightforward manner.
Anyone wishing to put forth a candidate must submit their recommendation online through a dedicated nomination link provided by SEPC.
Submissions should clearly outline the nominee’s specific role within their organization, their measurable contributions, and a justification as to why the nominee deserves this distinguished recognition.
Though optional, the inclusion of testimonials or letters of recommendation is highly encouraged to strengthen the nomination.
“The Southeast Produce Council is proud to introduce The Unseen Hero Award,” SEPC explained, highlighting the necessity of celebrating individuals who typically avoid the spotlight yet significantly impact the industry.
This sentiment underscores SEPC’s broader mission of supporting and acknowledging the efforts of all contributors, regardless of their visibility within the produce sector.
Winners of this award will be celebrated publicly at the Southern Innovations event in 2025, providing a notable platform to highlight their accomplishments.
By drawing attention to the often-overlooked roles that sustain the produce industry’s stability and growth, the award aims to inspire continued excellence and dedication throughout the supply chain.
The Unseen Hero Award serves not only as recognition but also as motivation for industry members to appreciate the comprehensive effort involved in bringing produce from farm to table.
It underscores the reality that the produce industry relies extensively on the collective efforts of dedicated individuals, many of whom rarely seek acknowledgment yet are vital to operational success.
In creating this new recognition, SEPC hopes to foster greater appreciation and morale within the industry workforce, ensuring tha t every contribution whether highly visible or behind-the-scenes is valued and celebrated.
The inaugural recipients of the Unseen Hero Award will stand as representatives of the thousands of hardworking individuals whose daily commitment underpins the produce industry’s achievements.
SEPC invites all members and partners within the produce industry to participate actively in the nomination process, recognizing that their engagement is essential in bringing attention to these deserving individuals.
By spotlighting these unsung contributors, SEPC continues to promote a culture of gratitude, unity, and shared purpose across all sectors involved in producing, packing, shipping, and retailing fresh produce throughout the southeastern United States and beyond.
