Mike Burdi of Metro Ontario Inc. in Toronto and Elaine Fong of Calgary Co-op are two of the 25 winners of the 2019 Retail Produce Manager Awards, announced by United Fresh Produce Association. 

The group of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 16 states and two Canadian provinces. The winners will be honoured guests at the United Fresh 2019 convention, June 10-12 in Chicago.  

Sponsored by Dole Food Company, the program pays special recognition to produce managers working every day on the front line to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 325 retail produce managers, representing more than 110 different retail banners, have been honoured for their contributions to the industry.

“Produce managers are the face of our industry to the consumer,” said United Fresh president & CEO Tom Stenzel. “Their creative merchandising and positive approach to customer service directly correlates to the growth of sales and ultimately consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

The 2019 award marks 15 years of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, according to the United Fresh Produce news release.  Click here for a complete list of the 2019 winners.

Source: United Fresh Produce March 18, 2019 news release