Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont, announced its 2019 Produce Managers of the Year. Nominees from each district were evaluated on several criteria, including sales growth, overall department conditions and development of associates, customer interaction, merchandising, shrink and profitability.

Each region was asked to submit candidates for consideration before being reviewed by Tops Friendly Markets regional vice presidents John McCaffrey and Mike Patti along with Jeff Cady, director of produce and floral for Tops Friendly Markets.

“The ability to creatively merchandise the product, interact with the customers, and oversee the growth of not only the product, but the people within the department is paramount,” said Cady. “Produce is a vital part of our day to day business and being able to undertake this and manage it successfully is something we truly appreciate and want to recognize in these individuals.”

This year’s award recipients are New York east region Produce Manager of the Year and United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year Ed McIssac, West region Produce Manager of the Year Mario DeCaro, Mike Tomczak, Robin Manwaring, Brian Herby, Dan Fisher, Eric Darrow, Tim Barnes, Penny Preston, Sam Platz and Tammy Allan.