Each year, United Fresh Produce Association recognizes the top 25 produce managers within the industry during their annual convention. 

Randy Davis, produce manager for Food City’s Gatlinburg, TN location has been named one of the 25 finalists contending for this year’s coveted 2020 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award.  Five grand-prize winners will be selected from among the field of competitors at the association’s June industry convention in San Diego, CA.     

“These men and women represent the “best of the best” in our industry,” says Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president & chief executive officer.  “Through their creative efforts and interaction with customers, they’re making produce a centerpiece of the retail shopping experience and wowing consumers everyday.”

The candidates are selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by supermarket chains, commissaries and independent retail stores throughout the industry.  The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of produce merchandising/marketing, community service and commitment to total customer satisfaction.

“We would certainly like to congratulate Randy on this well-deserved nomination.  He is a tremendous asset to our company and the community as a whole,” says Bucky Slagle, Food City director of produce operations. 

Davis has 39 years of grocery retail experience.  He is passionate about nutrition and promoting the healthy offerings within the produce department.  Davis utilizes his in-store sampling program daily to promote fresh produce, going above and beyond by including every variety of the item being sampled.  He also displays the nutritional information for the items being sampled.  Davis has a true passion for engaging his customers, whom he considers to be his “guests”.  Many of his customers are visiting from outside the region and Davis hopes they will share the information he has provided them when return home.  His goal is to influence as much of the United States as possible.  Davis recently participated in the company’s Peelz Mandarin Orange sales contest, finishing in the top five.  He also participated in the National Idaho Potatoes display contest.  Davis is also an avid supporter of Food City’s locally grown produce initiative which helps strengthen the community through the support of local farmers.

Food City associates were also named award winners in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 – ten years of which, the company boasted a grand-prize winner. 

Pictured (left to right):
Steve Smith, Food City President/CEO
Randy Davis, Food City Produce Manager, Gatlinburg, TN
Bucky Slagle, Food City Director of Produce Operations

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 132 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.