United Fresh to shine light on retail stars

The United Fresh Foundation, through the Center for Leadership Excellence, is now accepting nominations for the 2012 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program . Established in 2005 by founding sponsor Ready Pac Foods, Inc., the program will honor 25 outstanding retail produce managers at the United Fresh 2012 convention and expo, May 1-3, in Dallas.

The Retail Produce Manager Awards Program pays special recognition to those on the front line in supermarkets working everyday to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the program’s inception, more than 150 managers from nearly 60 different retail banners have been honored for their exceptional commitment to customer satisfaction; innovative merchandising; produce-related community outreach; and recognition among company peers.

’Not only has this program raised the bar of excellence for produce managers everywhere, it has helped exemplify to retailers and the produce industry the critical role that these managers play in reaching the consumer,’ said Vice Chairman of United’s Retail-Foodservice Board Randy Scott, Category Manager Produce for Delhaize America.

This year, the 25 award winners, along with their corporate produce directors, will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to the United Fresh 2012 convention, co-located with the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), American Meat Institute (AMI) and U.S. Food Export Showcase. The winners will be honored at the annual United Fresh Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 1, where five grand prize winners will be announced as recipients of an additional $1,000 cash prize.

’These outstanding men and women, serving everyday on the front line, are the face to our customers and their positive work can have a powerful impact on the entire supply chain,’ said Michael Solomon, President and CEO of Ready Pac Foods, Inc. ’Ready Pac is proud to be the sponsor of this program that sends a powerful message to retailers everywhere that we respect and appreciate the great work of their produce managers.’

’It’s hard to believe how much this program has grown over the past seven years,’ said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. ’The support from supermarket executives who have embraced this program to honor their produce staff has been tremendous. With this year’s co-location with FMI, we are looking forward to exceptional turnout of senior retail executives at our annual banquet, cheering on their produce superstars.’