The Utah Food Industry Association, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, hosted its 2024 Annual Conference and Celebration Aug. 6 at the Davis County Conference Center. At the celebration, the association inducted Monte Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Market, into its Hall of Fame.
Peterson learned his work ethic and the basics of the grocery business from his father, Bruce, in the family grocery store. Continuing the tradition of learning the trade, Monte Peterson became a journeyman butcher and managed the Peterson’s meat department for many years.
Always an exceptional student, Peterson was a Sterling Scholar in mathematics, graduating cum laude in business management at the University of Utah.
When their parents retired, Monte and his siblings became the third-generation operators of Peterson’s Market, which is located in Riverton. A champion of family business as well as the independent grocer, Peterson served on the board at Associated Food Stores for 22 years, nine of those as board chair.
Peterson and wife Shelly have been married since 1976 and have five children and 14 grandchildren.
UFIA also presented its Impact Award at the conference to FJ Management/Maverik Call to Action Foundation, whose goal is to preserve and expand access to affordable housing properties for working families and seniors in the West and Midwest.
Affordable housing provides community benefits such as increased consumer spending, job and economic growth, reduced evictions and decreased homelessness. In addition, it provides stability for children.
Since its inception in 2022, the foundation has invested more than $38 million toward safe and affordable housing for families in the region.
A subsidiary of FJ Management, Maverik helps fund the mission of FJM’s Call to Action Foundation. Maverik convenience stores operate in 20 states.
UFIA also hosted the state’s best bagger competition at its August gathering. Makenzie Wood from the Layton Fresh Market was crowned the winner. She moves on to the national best bagger competition, which will be held in February in Las Vegas during The NGA Show. Wood will compete for a $10,000 grand prize and national bragging rights.
