Nominations Open for IFPA’s Retail Produce Manager Awards

May 15, 2026

WASHINGTON – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is collecting nominations for the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing retail produce managers across the globe who exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment to bringing fresh produce to life for consumers every day.

Nominations are open now through May 22, 2026. Winners will be recognized at the IFPA Awards of Excellence Retail Produce Manager reception, held during the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, in October.

“Retail produce managers bring fresh produce strategy to life at the store level. Their efforts and dedication are a driving reason consumers reach for fresh fruits and vegetables,” said IFPA Chief Membership Officer, Miriam Wolk. “We’re grateful to our sponsor, Robinson Fresh, and media partner, Produce Blue Book, who help us to honor these frontline team members who are having such an impact on their stores and communities.”

The awards celebrate the produce managers who are more than operators — they are community connectors, category builders, and advocates for fresh. These are the individuals who inspire their teams, elevate their departments, and set the standard for what fresh produce retail can be.

“Blue Book is proud to sponsor these retail awards,” said Blue Book CEO Kirk Soule. “Produce managers play a critical role in keeping consumers healthy through the availability of high quality fruits and vegetables in stores.

Nominations are open to retail produce managers globally who demonstrate outstanding performance in one or more of the following areas:

Produce merchandising, category innovation, and department performance

Customer engagement and in-store produce education

Community involvement and fresh produce advocacy

Leadership, team development, and operational excellence

The awards are open to nominees from retail banners and chains worldwide. IFPA encourages regional and global retail members, supplier partners, and industry colleagues to submit nominations on behalf of the exceptional produce managers they work with and observe firsthand.

Nominations Open for IFPA’s Retail Produce Manager Awards

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