When I first stepped into fresh produce 13 years ago, I was overwhelmed by the fortitude, industriousness, and spirit that lit up the industry like a beacon. The magnitude of each day’s endeavor—feed the world, move a highly perishable gift over land and water, and against the laws of nature, at times—has never been lost on me. I was lucky to join a company that, first and foremost, celebrates its own. A rising tide lifts all boats, as many of us love to say. This is not just an aspiration but a practice. And incredibly meaningful work.
Our industry is full of individuals trailblazing the way for marketing prowess, leadership, and innovation. Their efforts contribute to the ever-growing class of high-caliber companies that continue to raise the bar across fresh produce. On Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024, we honored some of those companies making an impact on the essential health and excellence we find to be distinct to our industry. With glasses held high and laughter and celebration filling the Marriott Monterey’s Ferrante’s Ballroom, we honored the 2024 Besties Award winners that both our advisory committee and team selected for this year’s elite.
The energy in the room, the quality of conversations, and the new relationships being built made it such a meaningful night for us all. It was an honor to bestow this select group with our Besties Awards, and we thank you for all that you do to make the fresh produce industry more progressive, impactful, and superior in the fresh food space.
For the awards process, our team handles the initial nominations to ensure each nominee meets our stringent standards. We then share our nominees with our Besties committee. This year, they voted on every category except for one: Retailer of the Year. Each committee member received a ballot with three nominations for each award category. Based on their votes, we determined the winners of the Bestie Awards.
The beauty of celebration is that it is contagious, however brief the moment or ceremony. It fuels, defies containment and evaporation. It lives.
Let’s continue to celebrate those who lead, those who support, and those who dream.
“The fresh industry’s strength, dedication, and creativity, particularly highlighted by the 2024 Besties Award winners and nominees, continue to inspire us all. Their unrelenting passion drives innovation and advocacy, bringing fresh products to more consumers and continually raising industry standards. We extend our thanks to these individuals and companies whose tireless efforts not only enrich the fresh industry but also motivate others toward excellence.”
“One thing I appreciate about the Besties is the program showcases the strength of innovation, marketing, and advocacy and, overall, raises the bar for the industry. I’m a staunch believer in that ‘as the water rises, all ships rise with it...unless there’s a hole in the bottom, then that ship sinks.’ But no worries here! As product and company highlights continue to shine in the spotlight, other suppliers take notice, and we can all collectively raise the bar a notch while serving a growing number of diverse and educated customers who want to try the next new product.”
“On the retail side, we appreciate the work that suppliers do to help drive our consumers toward their products. The branding, presentation, and messaging around specific products help consumers connect further up the supply chain. Those consumers become more engaged with the great work being done on the production, packing, and shipping side of the industry. High-quality, well-marketed produce is a win-win-win for producers, retailers, and consumers.”
“At FreshSource, we work diligently with many suppliers and retailers who are pushing the envelope and evolving their strategies in terms of marketing, messaging, and vision. The companies represented in this year’s Besties Awards are raising the bar for their categories and their partners. It takes a progressive mindset to drive a vision, and a committed team to execute its strategy. Watching the industry evolve in these new ways has been incredible, and acknowledging these companies’ contributions is an exciting thing to be a part of.”
“The Besties categories were spot on for today’s produce world. I look for innovation, quality, and commitment to a sustainable future for our business, starting at the farm and shipper all the way to the kitchen table. It is not always about price (retail); it’s about quality, availability to all, and healthy avenues for all consumers. Food is health; one company in particular always gives back to those in need every year and it is fantastic to see them honored here as a Bestie. It takes large companies to move the needle sometimes, and with social media and educational programs out there being produced to help grow healthy produce eaters and customers, it is awesome!”
“Being on the Besties selection committee and spending time absorbing the creative work of all nominees was inspiring, gratifying, and amazing. The unparalleled—but often untold—story of the produce industry was in full force. It will give bragging rights to those who work in the organizations, spark media attention, and differentiate the fresh produce highlighted to our restaurant and retailer customers. And, finally, it will also give those companies who excite the consumer to embrace our products for a happy and healthy life—the greatest bragging rights of all.”
