Brad Franklin, produce manager for Tops Friendly Markets in Towanda, Pennsylvania, will receive the 2024 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award.
For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, Franklin is one of 20 produce managers nationwide being recognized from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) with this distinction.
“Brad is a seasoned produce manager who just continues to get better year after year. As the produce department continues to evolve into what the 2024 consumer wants, Brad has the ability to over deliver,” said Jeff Cady, VP of produce and floral for Northeast Shared Services, under the parent company Northeast Grocery Inc. which serves Tops and Price Chopper/Market 32.
The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia, with five produce managers taking home the grand prize award.
“These prestigious awards are a shining example of IFPA’s commitment to grow prosperity for companies in the global fresh produce supply chain while creating a vibrant future for all,” added Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of retail, foodservice and wholesale.
“Our recognition of the pivotal role produce managers play for their companies and the produce industry wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Robinson Fresh.”
[RELATED: IFPA Officials Preview Fresh Produce & Floral Show]
As the IFPA honors Franklin on his accomplishment, Tops also shines a light on many of its other produce managers within the company, including:
- West Produce Manager of the Year – Dan Fisher (Liberty, Pennsylvania);
- Buffalo East – Ted Elliott (East Aurora, New York);
- Buffalo North – Ray Sherman (Medina, New York);
- Buffalo South – Aaron Brown (Dunkirk, New York);
- Buffalo Central – Darryl Gregoire (Williamsville, New York);
- East Produce Manager of the Year and IFPA Winner – Brad Franklin (Towanda, PA);
- Syracuse/Northeast – Joe Stagnitti (Canastota, New York);
- Fingerlakes/Syracuse West – John Davis (Farmington, New York);
- North County – Kia Lapier (Schroon Lake, New York); and
- Rochester – Dave Lambert (Avon, New York).
