IFPA names Retail Produce Manager Award winners

May 7, 2025 Dallas, TX – At The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament last week, International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 announced the 20 recipients of the 2025 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement, and exceptional customer service.

These 20 winners proudly represent the produce industry to the consumer and work to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for their banners and their communities.

Their recognition would not be possible without the support of Robinson Fresh.

The 2025 winners:
• Christina Hills of Albertsons Companies Inc, Everett, WA
• Jonathan Peterson of Big Y Foods, Southbridge, MA
• Robert McRee of Brookshire Grocery Company, Midlothian, TX
• Laurent Lavergne of Super 1 Foods, Lafayette, LA
• Ashley Romano of Corner Market, Hattiesburg, MS
• Ian Ayers of Darrington IGA, Darrington, WA
• Danilo Agmata of DeCA, Nellis AFB, NV
• Kyle Miller of Friday Harbor Market Place #228, Friday Harbor, WA
• Jacob Geer of Hannaford, Queensbury, NY
• Ryan Vann of Harps, Mountain Home, AR
• Matthew Chappell of Harris Teeter, Waxhaw, NC
• Tyler LaRue of Hy-Vee, Inc., Ashwaubenon, WI
• Ragan Brooks of KVAT Food Stores Inc. DBA Food City, Abingdon, VA
• Catherine Gironda of MOMs Organic Markets, Rockville, MD
• Timmithy Rich of Price Chopper/Market 32 #131, Rutland, VT
• Shelby Hunnicutt of Schnucks, Eureka, MO
• Nicholus Mcardle of Sprouts Farmers Market, Downey, CA
• Hamlet Sanntos of The Fresh Market, Miami, FL
• Tami Hornshaw of The Goose Community Grocer, Langley, WA
• Mike Bawol of Tops Friendly Markets, Niagara Falls, NY

“This year’s honorees stand out for their ability to inspire trust, drive produce sales, and bring healthy choices to life for shoppers every day,” said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice, and wholesale membership. “Their dedication drives not only department performance but also stronger, healthier communities.”

“We are proud to continue our support of this pivotal program that shines a light on the vital role produce managers play in driving fresh innovation and delivering an exceptional in-store experience,” said Jose Rossignoli, President of Robinson Fresh. “Their commitment to excellence directly impacts how consumers connect with fresh, healthy food every day.”

The winners will be recognized at IFPA’s 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show, October 16-18 in Anaheim, CA, with five produce managers taking home the coveted Grand Prize Winner award. See photos of them here.

The IFPA awards program solicits nominations from anyone in the industry who knows a produce manager who is raising the bar on performance. More information is available on IFPA’s website.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: Ashley Sempowski, asempowski@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3406