Meet IFPA Award winners revolutionizing retail

“This year’s winners exemplify how innovation and passion can transform the retail experience and inspire consumers to choose more fresh produce,” said Joe Watson, IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale. “Their leadership is not only elevating their companies but also moving the entire industry forward.”

Meet the winners of the 2025 IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award

Michelle Mayhew, Director of Produce at Dorothy Lane Market (Dayton, Ohio)
Michelle has 45 years of experience, with more than 20 of those at Dorothy Lane Market.

Michelle’s passion has always been merchandising. She loves the variety of colors and textures of produce, and views produce merchandising as an art form. When she found her home at Dorothy Lane Market, they enabled her to be a freelance merchandiser, which was a dream for Michelle, allowing her to bring her artistic visions to life.

She credits Norman and Calvin Mayne for her current success, largely due to their faith in her.

Richard Anderson, Director of Produce at Smith’s (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Richard started with Smith’s in 2003 and has held many positions at both store and division office levels throughout his career. However, he's spent the majority of his time working in Produce.

He has aimed to approach his job and the business with the customers’ best interests in mind, incorporating the feedback they provide to create opportunities to serve their communities.

Staying ahead of the game and being open to innovative ideas have helped him improve as a leader while exceeding company goals.  

Scott Bennett, Produce Sales Manager at Jewel-Osco (Itasca, Illinois)
Scott has over 40 years of experience in produce, dedicating his career to delivering exceptional quality, driving sales, and elevating the customer experience.

He leads with passion and creativity, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional retail strategies. He is known for his trustworthy leadership, always delivering on commitments and building strong partnerships.

His forward-thinking approach has transformed how customers engage with produce, driving significant sales growth and strengthening Jewel’s position as a marketplace leader.

Michael Collins, Senior Manager of Produce Operations at Harris Teeter (Matthews, North Carolina)
Michael oversees produce and floral specialists, merchandising strategies, and store execution.

With over two decades of experience in store management, operations, and merchandising, he is recognized for driving sales growth, improving efficiency, and developing high-performing teams. He has led initiatives on fixture design, department optimization, and operational process improvements.

His  focus is always on accountability, customer experience, and increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Danielle Hudgick, Sr. Category Manager at Sprouts (Phoenix, Arizona)
Danielle oversees sourcing, merchandising, and strategy for avocados, citrus, and stone fruit.

She has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, data-driven decision making, and a focus on organic growth.

She is passionate about innovation and driving sustainable growth in produce.