The winners of IFPA’s Retail Merchant Innovation Award will be recognized at the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 17 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California.
“This year’s winners exemplify how innovation and passion can transform the retail experience and inspire consumers to choose more fresh produce,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of retail, foodservice and wholesale. “Their leadership is not only elevating their companies but also moving the entire industry forward.”
IFPA awarded winners in five store-count categories:
- Michelle Mayhew, director of produce, Dorothy Lane Market (1-50 stores), Dayton, Ohio.
- Mayhew has 45 years of experience, with more than 20 years at Dorothy Lane Market. Her passion has always been merchandising as she loves the variety of colors and texture of produce and views produce merchandising as an art form. Dorothy Lane Market enabled her to be a freelance merchandiser, which allowed her to bring her artistic visions to life. She credits Norman and Calvin Mayne for where she is today because of their faith in her.
- Richard Anderson, director of produce, Smith’s (51-150 stores), Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Anderson started with Smith’s in 2003 and has held many positions at store and division office levels throughout his career, with the majority of his time working in produce. He has always aimed to approach his job and the business with the customers’ best interests in mind and incorporating the feedback they provide to improve on opportunities to serve their communities.
- Scott Bennett, produce sales manager, Jewel-Osco (151-200 stores), Itasca, Illinois.
- Bennett has more than 40 years of experience in produce, dedicating his career to delivering exceptional quality, driving sales and elevating the customer experience. He leads with passion and creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional retail strategies. He is known for his leadership, always delivering on commitments and building strong partnerships that help the produce industry grow and thrive. His forward-thinking approach has transformed how customers engage with produce, driving significant sales growth and strengthening Jewel’s position as a marketplace leader.
- Michael Collins, senior manager of produce operations, Harris Teeter (251-399 stores), Matthews, North Carolina.
- Collins oversees produce and floral specialists, merchandising strategies and store execution. With more than two decades of experience in store management, operations and merchandising, he is recognized for driving sales growth, improving efficiency and developing high-performing teams. He has led initiatives on fixture design, department optimization and operational process improvements, always with a focus on accountability, customer experience and increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Danielle Hudgick, senior category manager, Sprouts (400-plus stores), Phoenix, Arizona.
- Hudgick oversees sourcing, merchandising and strategy for avocados, citrus and stone fruit. She has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, data-driven decision making and a focus on organic growth. She is passionate about innovation and driving sustainable growth in produce.
“Congratulations to these innovative retail execs for demonstrating remarkable creativity and dedication to advancing the industry and setting a new standard of excellence in produce marketing,” Watson said. “We look forward to seeing the continued impact of their unique strategies.”
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