Retail Merchant Innovation Award

The International Fresh Produce Association’s Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a Vice President, Director or Sales Manager (or equivalent position) in the retail sector that demonstrates passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption.

We are looking for:

Engaging stories
Positive impacts on consumers
Inspiring and creative approach to produce marketing

This award recognizes the “best of the best” retailers (including wholesale grocers) in five store-count categories, and winners will be recognized onstage at The Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim in October. One winner will be named in each of these:

1-50 stores
51-150 stores
151-250 stores
251-399 stores

400+ stores

Nominations for 2025 are now closed.

(Please note that past IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award winners are not eligible for nomination)

The 5 winners will be recognized on stage at the Retail Awards Reception at the Global Produce & Floral Show, October 16-18 in Anaheim, CA.

IFPA 2025 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

Michelle Mayhew

Michelle Mayhew
Dorothy Lane Market (1-50 stores)
Director of Produce
Dayton, Ohio

Michelle has 45 years of experience, with 20+ years at Dorothy Lane Market. Michelle’s passion has always been merchandising, she loves the variety of colors and texture of produce, and views produce merchandising as an art form. When she found her home at Dorothy Lane Market, they enabled her to be a freelance merchandiser, which was a dream for Michelle, allowing her to bring her artistic visions to life. She credits Norman and Calvin Mayne for where she is today because of their faith in her.

Richard Anderson

Richard Anderson
Smith’s (51-150 stores)
Director of Produce
Salt Lake City, Utah

Richard started with Smith’s in 2003 and has held many positions at store and division office levels throughout his career with the majority of his time working in Produce. He has always aimed to approach his job and the business with the customers’ best interests in mind, and incorporating the feedback they provide to improve on opportunities to serve their communities. Staying ahead of the game and being open to innovative ideas have helped him improve as a leader while exceeding company goals.

Scott Bennett
Jewel-Osco (151-200 stores)
Produce Sales Manager
Itasca, Ill.

Scott Benett has over 40 years of experience in produce, dedicating his career to delivering exceptional quality, driving sales, and elevating the customer experience. He leads with passion and creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional retail strategies. He is known for his trustworthy leadership, always delivering on commitments and building strong partnerships that help the produce industry grow and thrive. His forward-thinking approach has transformed how customers engage with produce, driving significant sales growth and strengthening Jewel’s position as a marketplace leader.

Michael Collins
Harris Teeter (251-399 stores)
Senior Manager of Produce Operations
Matthews, N.C.

Michael Collins oversees produce and floral specialists, merchandising strategies, and store execution. With more than two decades of experience in store management, operations, and merchandising, he is recognized for driving sales growth, improving efficiency, and developing high-performing teams. He has led initiatives on fixture design, department optimization, and operational process improvements, always with a focus on accountability, customer experience, and increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Danielle Hudgick
Sprouts (400+ stores)
Sr. Category Manager
Phoenix, Ariz.

Danielle Hudgick oversees sourcing, merchandising and strategy for avocados, citrus and stone fruit. She has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, data-driven decision making, and a focus on organic growth. She is passionate about innovation and driving sustainable growth in produce.

Thank you to our 2025 Award and Media Sponsors

Price Mabry VP Sales and Marketing Corner Market	Joe Hansen Produce Category Merchant Wegmans
Mike Emery Director of Produce Category Hannaford Supermarket	Ron Lovelace Director of Produce & Floral Meijer, Inc.
Meghan Diaz Sr. Director of Local & Regional Produce Sprouts Farmer’s Market

Randy Bohaty Director of Produce B&R Stores, Inc.	Christina Stipe Director Produce/Floral Price Chopper & Market 32
Mil Mijanovic Produce Sales Manager Albertsons Companies – Safeway NorCal Division	Erin Tice Senior Category Manager Sprouts Farmers Market
Shawn Peery National Vice President Produce Albertsons Companies

Brian Penfield Director of Produce Sendik's Food Markets	Jim Gaylord Category Merchant Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Barry Paul Produce Sales Manager Shaw's Supermarkets	Jeff Mallory VP Produce Hy-Vee, Inc.
Vic Savanello Regional Vice President Produce and Floral Merchandising

Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program

IFPA 2025 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

Thank you to our 2025 Award and Media Sponsors

2024 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

2023 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners

2022 Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners