FMI – The Food Industry Association has named four category winners and one People’s Pick recipient in its 2026 Store Manager Awards, announced July 23 during a live-streamed ceremony.
The winners were selected from 12 finalists drawn from more than 110 nominations. The awards recognize food retail store managers for operational excellence, team leadership, customer service, innovation and community impact.
The 2026 recipients are:
- James Hensel of Oregon Dairy in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in Category A;
- Wei Zheng of 99 Ranch Market, part of Tawa Services Inc., in Chandler, Arizona, in Category B;
- Mark Ferrari of QFC, part of the Kroger family of companies, in Bothell, Washington, in Category C; and
- Kanchan Rijal of Spar Express Paceville in St. Julians, Malta, in Category D.
Ferrari also took the People’s Pick award, drawing more than 10,000 of the 16,700-plus votes cast in the online competition. Associates, customers and community members cast votes.
“Store managers are essential leaders in the food industry, combining business savvy, customer service and social skills to create a store environment where the local community finds the food they want and the connections they seek,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “This year’s Store Manager Awards winners show us what exceptional leadership looks like in action and their stories remind us that food retail is not just managing supply chains and maintaining an attractive storefront; it’s a business of caring for people and serving a community.”
The Coca-Cola Co. is the presenting sponsor of the awards program.