IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners Announced

October 4, 2022

Washington D.C. and Newark, DE – International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the winners of the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program. The program, sponsored by Sage Fruit Company, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a Vice President or Director (or equivalent position) in the produce departments of a retail banner that demonstrates passion and purpose in developing innovative strategies to drive produce consumption. IFPA honors five of the industry’s top retail director/VP for this award; one winner per store count category.

“Sage Fruit is honored to sponsor this award program and excited to celebrate the winners of IFPA’s Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program. Without all the great displays that are built daily, produce sales would not be as high as they are. These artists in produce departments are crucial to the success of the store and the overall image that is projected to the consumer,” stated Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit.

The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show where they will attend as VIPs, participate in the conference education and network.

“Through dedication to our industry, innovative merchandising and customer engagement, these individuals have demonstrated passion and purpose and have direct impact on growing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said IFPA’s Vice President of Retail, Foodservice and Wholesale, Joe Watson. “We congratulate the winners and look forward to celebrating them at The Global Produce & Floral Show later this month.”

The 2022 Winners of the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award are:

1-50 Stores: Brian Penfield, director of produce, Sendik's Food Markets
51-150 Stores: Jim Gaylord, category merchant, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
151-250 Stores: Barry Paul, produce sales manager, Shaw’s Supermarkets
251-399 Stores: Jeff Mallory, vice president of produce, Hy-Vee, Inc.
400+ Stores: Vic Savanello, regional vice president, produce and floral merchandising, Spartan Nash

Those interested in the Global Produce & Floral Show are encouraged to view the program and register.

IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award Winners Announced

Additional Press