The International Fresh Produce Association has revealed the 20 recipients of its 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing produce managers for merchandising, community engagement and customer service.
IFPA’s honorees represent a range of retailers nationwide, all credited with connecting consumers to fresh fruits and vegetables while driving sales and shaping the in-store shopping experience.
The winners will be recognized Oct. 15 at the Retail Awards Reception during IFPA’s 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, running Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, Florida. Five of the 20 will be named grand prize winners at the reception.
The 2026 winners are:
- Lauren Perkins, Fred Meyer/Kroger, Shoreline, Washington
- Antonio Mai, Fresh Thyme Market, Geneva, Illinois
- Christopher Latour, Giant Eagle/Market District, Strongsville, Ohio
- Jamie Peavey, Hannaford, Dover, New Hampshire
- Chris Sanders, Harps Food Stores, Elkins, Arkansas
- Michael Ferro, Meijer, Davison, Michigan
- Craig Belanger, Price Chopper/Market 32, Middletown, Connecticut
- David Gonzales, Randalls, Houston, Texas
- Jonathan Wilkinson, Roche Bros. Supermarkets, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Josh Mock, Schnucks, St. Louis, Missouri
- Michelle Rocha, Safeway, San Jose, California
- Randy Hall, Shaw’s, Hanson, Massachusetts
- Rui Lima, Star Market, Harwich, Massachusetts
- Herbert Chavez, Stop & Shop, Rocky Point, New York
- Ricky Allemand, Super 1 Foods, Carencro, Louisiana
- Renato Barrantes, The Fresh Market, Orlando, Florida
- Robynn Orndorf, The Giant Company, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Efrain Hernandez, Tom Thumb, Firewheel, Texas
- Aaron Brown, Tops Friendly Markets, Dunkirk, New York
- Davouce Michel, Whole Foods Market, Boston, Massachusetts
Central role in fresh
“Produce managers are at the heart of the fresh department, combining expertise, creativity and a passion for serving their communities,” said Jessica Keller, IFPA’s VP of global industry relations. “The 2026 Retail Produce Manager Award recipients exemplify what it means to lead with excellence, helping shoppers discover fresh foods while elevating the in-store experience every day.”
The awards are supported by sponsor Robinson Fresh and media sponsor Blue Book.
“Robinson Fresh is honored to recognize these exceptional produce managers and the impact they have on their stores, their customers and the broader produce industry,” said Jose Rossignoli, president. “Their dedication to quality, innovation and customer service helps inspire healthier choices and strengthens the connection between consumers and fresh produce.”
The Retail Produce Manager Awards program accepts nominations from across the industry. IFPA represents member companies across the global fresh produce and floral supply chain, from growers and distributors to retailers and foodservice operators, and combines advocacy with industry-facing support.