The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) celebrated Alabama’s grocery industry at the 2025 Food Industry Finest Awards Luncheon in Birmingham, Alabama.
The annual event honored leaders whose work embodies the values, dedication and spirit that define the grocery business across the state.
The ceremony featured remarks from Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, who highlighted the vital role grocers play in feeding Alabama’s communities and supporting local economies. This year’s honorees – representing the Retailer, Wholesaler and Vendor of the Year – each share a special connection: all come from family-run operations, reflecting the deep generational roots and shared values that strengthen Alabama’s grocery industry.
Eric Bruce of Bruce’s Foodland was named the 2025 Food Industry Finest Retailer of the Year, honoring a lifetime of dedication to the business he’s been part of “since birth.” Bruce’s parents founded the store in 1979, and he has spent nearly four decades helping it grow and thrive.
“My father and my mother started this business in 1979. They kind of went out on a whim,” Bruce said. “It’s a great business – it’s been good to my family, and the communities we serve have been awesome to us. We greatly appreciate all of our customers, and it’s been a great ride.”
He also expressed appreciation for the Alabama Grocers Association, adding, “The AGA is such an incredible partner for retailers like us. They’re always there when we need help, and the support they give our industry is truly invaluable.”
Jay Mitchell, VP of retail operations at Mitchell Grocery Corporation, was honored as Wholesaler of the Year. A third-generation grocer himself, Mitchell has spent 35 years with the company his family built.
“I started my career with Mitchell Grocery in 1990 at the age of 13, and I’ve worked all jobs in the company – from stocker to cashier to store manager to district manager, and now VP,” Mitchell said.
“We’ve got over 100 people who’ve been with us for more than 20 years, and that family feel is really important to our success. The part that I get more satisfaction out of is the opportunity to network and build relationships with other grocers. I think Alabama Grocers has done a fantastic job of fostering what I would call friendly competition – where all members of the grocery business in Alabama work together toward the issues that are most important to grocery operators.”
Bubba Lindley of EDLINCO was named Vendor of the Year, continuing the legacy of the family business his father, Ed Lindley, founded in 1979.
“We have a family-owned brokerage company started in 1979 by my dad, Ed Lindley, who’s been around the game forever,” Lindley said. “It’s been a true blessing – I’ve learned more from my dad than I could ever thank him for.”
He also emphasized the importance of relationships and community involvement.
“This industry is based on relationships, so you’d better get out there, build them and keep your word. The AGA is family – we’re fortunate to come together, give back and support causes like Children’s Hospital, where we’ve raised close to a million dollars.”
In addition to honoring these industry leaders, AGA celebrated President and CEO Ellie Taylor for 30 years of service and leadership. Taylor, who succeeded her father, Jim Smotherman, has continued her family’s legacy of advocacy, partnership and service to Alabama’s grocery community. Under her direction, AGA has strengthened its role as a champion for the grocery industry while fostering collaboration across all areas of the industry.
[RELATED: AGA Presents Industry Awards At Annual Show]