<body><div>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. 18 at the Global Produce &amp; Floral Show in Atlanta. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1FrH9J_0vlHcyBy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1FrH9J_0vlHcyBy00" width="250" height="251" ><figcaption>Price Mabry</figcaption></figure>“These winners have elevated their retail strategy to new heights while driving produce consumption,” said IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice &amp; Wholesale Joe Watson. “We are thrilled to honor them with well-deserved recognition on a global stage.”IFPA awarded winners in five store-count categories:Price Mabry, Corner Market (1-50 stores), vice president of sales and marketing, Hattiesburg, MSMabry has garnered numerous honors and awards throughout his career, underscoring his outstanding contributions to the industry. He received consecutive nominations for the "Up and Coming Produce Professional of the Year" by the Southeast Produce Council. In 2021, he was featured in Generation Next by The Produce News.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0H9oGH_0vlHcyBy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0H9oGH_0vlHcyBy00" width="250" height="263" ><figcaption>Joe Hansen</figcaption></figure>Joe Hansen, Wegmans (51-150 stores), produce category merchant, Rochester, NYA 41-year veteran at Wegmans, Hansen has managed almost every category in the produce department. He 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. Hansen 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. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3jc4cC_0vlHcyBy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3jc4cC_0vlHcyBy00" width="250" height="250" ><figcaption>Mike Emery</figcaption></figure>Mike Emery, Hannaford Supermarket (151-250 stores), director of produce category, Scarborough, MEEmery 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 five to 10 years. Emery's leadership and deep understanding of the customer have elevated Hannaford produce, driving store performance, market share and customer traffic.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3KV7P0_0vlHcyBy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3KV7P0_0vlHcyBy00" width="250" height="263" ><figcaption>Ron Lovelace</figcaption></figure>Ron Lovelace, Meijer, Inc. (251-399 stores), director of produce and floral, Grand Rapids, MIMeijer 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. The successful launch and full distribution of these compostable bags at all Meijer stores was supported by vibrant in-store signage and a QR code that has been used over 10,000 times, has generated 3.7 million impressions and 10.4 percent store traffic viewability, with 69 percent of buyers being new to the item.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0S9KOI_0vlHcyBy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0S9KOI_0vlHcyBy00" width="250" height="245" ><figcaption>Meghan Diaz</figcaption></figure>Meghan Diaz, Sprouts Farmer’s Market (400+ stores), senior director of local and regional produce, PhoenixDiaz exemplifies transparent partnership by setting clear expectations, providing honest feedback, and creating a strong feedback loop to ensure continuous improvement. A confident, honest, and authentic leader who inspires others through her personal and professional experiences, she actively supports local agriculture and charities. 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.“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 said. “We look forward to seeing the continued impact of their unique strategies."</div></body>

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IFPA names top retail merchant innovators

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. 18 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta. “These winners have elevated their retail strategy to new...