Macey’s Produce Manager Receives National Recognition
Grant Naylor, produce manager at Macey’s in Providence, is one of only 25 produce managers in the nation to be acknowledged through the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.
The program, sponsored by Dole Food Company, recognizes retail produce managers who represent the industry to the consumer and work every day to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“As the world emerges from the pandemic and new shopping habits have been created, it’s important that we realize neighborhood stores are still where produce is most often purchased; and companies that grow and market fresh products remain reliant and indebted to the produce managers that interact between us and the shopper,” said Johan Linden, COO of Dole Food Company. “Honoring these individuals with the Retail Produce Manager Award is an opportunity for Dole to acknowledge and thank them for their critical roles in landing produce in the shopping cart.”
The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show where they will attend as VIPs, participating in the conference education and networking.
“Retail produce managers are some of the greatest ambassadors for our industry,” said IFPA’s Vice President of Retail, Foodservice and Wholesale, Joe Watson. “Through dedication to our industry, innovative merchandising and customer engagement, they have direct impact on growing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Recognizing these leaders and sharing more about their incredible work strengthens our industry and helps us provide a vibrant future for all.”
“Grant Naylor is a fantastic produce manager and an extremely valuable team member in our Macey’s Providence location,” said Leigh Vaughn, AFS produce director. “While this individual award is well-deserved, Grant is a great representative of all the produce professionals in the AFS family. I am always impressed with the skill level and commitment to community that our MRO and ARO produce managers exhibit.”