The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the 20 recipients of the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement, and exceptional customer service.
These produce managers represent a wide variety of retailers. They connect consumers with fresh fruits and vegetables, drive sales, inspire their teams, and create memorable shopping experiences.
Winners of the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards
- Lauren Perkins of Fred Meyer/Kroger, Shoreline, WA
- Antonio Mai of Fresh Thyme Market, Geneva, IL
- Christopher Latour of Giant Eagle/Market District, Strongsville, OH
- Jamie Peavey of Hannaford, Dover, NH
- Chris Sanders of Harps Food Stores, Elkins, AR
- Michael Ferro of Meijer, Davison, MI
- Craig Belanger of Price Chopper/Market 32, Middletown, CT
- David Gonzales of Randalls, Houston, TX
- Jonathan Wilkinson of Roche Bros Supermarkets, West Roxbury, MA
- Josh Mock of Schnucks, St. Louis, MO
- Michelle Rocha of Safeway, San Jose, CA
- Randy Hall of Shaw’s, Hanson, MA
- Rui Lima of Star Market, Harwich, MA
- Herbert Chavez of Stop & Shop, Rocky Point, NY
- Ricky Allemand of Super 1 Foods, Carencro, LA
- Renato Barrantes of The Fresh Market, Orlando, FL
- Robynn Orndorf of The GIANT Company, Mechanicsburg, PA
- Efrain Hernandez of Tom Thumb, Firewheel, TX
- Aaron Brown of Tops Friendly Markets, Dunkirk, NY
- Davouce Michel of Whole Foods Market, Boston, MA
More about the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards
“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 to ensure repeat customer transactions.”
“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 of Robinson Fresh, award sponsor. “Their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service helps inspire healthier choices and strengthens the connection between consumers and fresh produce.”
Related Article: IFPA Announces Keynote Speakers for Global Produce& Floral Show
The Retail Awards Reception will honor the winners on October 15 during IFPA’s 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show (October 14–16) in Orlando, Florida. During the event, presenters will announce five Grand Prize Winners from the group of produce managers.
The Retail Produce Manager Awards program invites nominations from across the industry to recognize produce managers who are setting new standards for excellence in retail produce.