Chuck Kauffman of Andronico's Community Markets(R) Receives 2015 National Retail Produce Manager Award

SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National produce association United Fresh, based in Washington D.C., has announced the honorees of its 2015 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. Chuck Kauffman, produce manager at the San Francisco Irving Street location of Andronico's Community Markets was one of only twenty five produce managers from across the United States to receive this accolade. He will be among the honored guests at the United Fresh 2015 convention and trade show, June 8-10 in Chicago.

The program, now in its 11th year and sponsored by Dole Food Company, gives special recognition to produce mangers working every day to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in their community. The winners were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by retailers and produce suppliers across the industry. Nominations were evaluated on a number of criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service and commitment to customer satisfaction.
 
"Produce managers are on the front lines, educating consumers in the produce department – a critical touch point for the fresh produce industry," said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel. "We are grateful to Dole Food Company for their sponsorship of this program and partnership in recognizing these 25 deserving honorees."  
 
The Produce Retail Manager Award winners will be featured in a panel discussion on the United Fresh 2015 trade show floor in the Fresh Marketplace Learning Center, Wednesday, June 10 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Kauffman was of one of just seven winners chosen to share their perspectives on creative produce merchandising strategies during this special education session.
 
Andronico's Community Markets, a privately owned grocery retailer offering a full range of specialty, organic and conventional groceries, began in Berkeley in 1929 and today has stores in Berkeley, San Francisco, San Anselmo, and Los Altos. Many of the store's union employees have been with the company more than twenty years, some more than forty years.
 
Media Contact: Danielle Caponi Bolla, Ponte PR 707.971.0786