United Fresh bestows awards on produce managers, foodservice professionals

The winners of the United Fresh 2012 Retail Produce Managers’ Awards were announced tonight during the United Fresh Chairman’s Reception and Annual Produce Celebration Dinner.

Twenty-five produce managers from around the United States were selected as finalists for the awards, honoring “superstars” who demonstrate excellence in increasing sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Those selected to receive the awards include Jolene Cyr, Food Maxx/Save Mart Supermarkets, Fairfield, Calif.; Nick Puleo, Vons, San Diego, Calif.; Leslie Alex, Hannaford Brothers, Dover, N.H.; Chad Faulk, Harris Teeter, Charlotte, N.C.; Brian Burrow, Brookshire Grocery Company, New Iberia, La.; and Mike McElmeel, Hy-Vee Inc., Silvis, Ill.

The fresh produce industry also honored the 2012 recipients of its Excellence in Foodservice Awards, which included: David Kramer, chef instructor, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Chef Michael Stebner, director of culinary, True Food Kitchen, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Chef Brian Scheehser, executive chef, Trellis restaurant, Kirkland, Wash.; Chef Christophe Depuichaffray, area executive chef, InterContinental Mark Hopkins, and Hotel InterContinental, San Francisco, Calif.; Jessica Shelly, food services director, Cincinnati Public Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio; and John Hughes, senior vice president and director of training, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Manasquan, N.J.