The Alabama Grocers Association held its annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon on Oct. 27, honoring its industry award winners. Speakers included Gov. Kay Ivey and President and CEO of FMS Solutions Robert Graybill.
The food retail industry in Alabama provides more than 70,000 jobs with more than $2.2 billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay more than $1.2 billion in state taxes and have a total economic impact on the state’s economy of more than $12 billion.
The Food Industry Finest Luncheon was held at The Club in Birmingham to discuss the work of the Alabama Grocers Association in 2021 and those in the food, beverage and grocery profession in the state. The AGA honored the following individuals with their awards.
Food Industry Finest Retailer of the Year: Bill Davis, owner and VP of A&R Super Markets
“It was an honor to represent our family and our company in being recognized as Retailer of the Year by our peers in the Alabama Grocers Association,” said Davis. “We appreciate everything AGA does for all of us retailers and our industry as a whole.”
Food Industry Finest Wholesaler of the Year: Kirk Clark, director of merchandising for Mitchell Grocery Corp.
“What an absolute honor for Mitchell Grocery to be recognized as Wholesaler of the Year in the State of Alabama,” said Clark. “Our entire team has a unique passion and determination to serve the independent retailer. The retailers depend on us to provide the goods and services needed as they serve and make a difference in their local communities.”
Food Industry Finest Vendor of the Year: Bo Taylor, VP of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United’s Central Region
“This award from the Alabama Grocers Association is one of the personal and professional highlights of my career,” said Taylor. “However, this is truly a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire Coca-Cola United team and affirms that we exist and excel for the benefit of our associates, consumers, customers and our communities.”
The Alabama Grocers Association has been honoring professionals making an impact in the grocery industry with these awards since 1996.
“Each of these fine individuals exemplify leadership and excellence Alabama’s grocery industry. They are committed to growing and improving the grocery industry in Alabama,” said Ellie Taylor, AGA president. “We are thankful for the opportunity to honor them and their commitment today.”
The Alabama Grocers Association is a state trade association representing the grocery retail industry since 1990. With more than 135 retail members operating more than 850 stores statewide, as well as more than 225 manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers and other members, the AGA is the voice of the industry in the state of Alabama.
For more information, go to alabamagrocers.org.
Click below for scenes from the luncheon.
Alabama’s Food Industry Finest Luncheon, The Club, Birmingham, AL, Oct. 27
