Kansas City, Mo., (Oct. 13, 2025) – Two leaders in the produce industry will be recognized for their service at The Packer booth number 3105 at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif., at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. Dennis Payne, director of merchandising produce/floral at The Fresh Market, will be awarded the 2025 Produce Retailer of the Year for his leadership, dedication, passion and innovation. Kevin Hamilton, vice president, global marketing and communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, will be awarded the 2025 Produce Marketer of the Year for the newly launched “Go Big” campaign for blueberries.
“The Packer has been honoring deserving Produce Marketer and Produce Retailer of the Year Award winners for the past 10 years,” said Jennifer Strailey, editorial director, fresh produce for Farm Journal. “Dennis and Kevin have contributed to the success of their organizations and the industry as a whole, and we are looking forward to honoring them.”
Produce Retailer of the Year – Dennis Payne, The Fresh Market
Payne is a seasoned management professional with more than 45 years of progressive leadership experience in the grocery retail industry, specializing in produce, floral and merchandising operations. His passion for the produce business began at just 12 years old, working produce and cutting meat at a small independent grocer that served the local community. This early exposure instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality fresh products, customer service and the importance of community-focused retail.
Currently, Payne serves as the director of merchandising produce/floral at The Fresh Market in Greensboro, N.C. He is widely recognized for driving revenue and margin growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences through strategic sourcing, innovative merchandising and data-driven planning. He combines operational excellence with a passion for growing people to succeed in the industry, all while bringing humor and a positive spirit to his leadership style.
Throughout his career, Payne has played a key role in shaping category management strategies, negotiating with domestic and international suppliers and mentoring cross-functional teams. His extensive experience spans major retailers including The Fresh Market Inc. and Winn-Dixie/SaveRite, where he consistently improved profitability and operational efficiency.
Earlier in his career, Payne held various leadership roles such as district produce supervisor, store manager and perishable sales manager, consistently exceeding performance targets and earning promotions. His service in the U.S. Army Reserves further enhanced his discipline and commitment to excellence.
An active member of IFPA and Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), Payne remains deeply engaged in industry advancement for fresh produce. Known for his integrity, strategic vision, passion for quality and sense of humor, he continues to be a respected leader and mentor in the fresh retail space.
Produce Marketer of the Year – Kevin Hamilton, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Hamilton is an accomplished global marketing leader with a 20-year track record of building, transforming and elevating some of the world’s most recognizable food and beverage brands. As vice president of global marketing and communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), Hamilton drives worldwide demand and affinity for blueberries through breakthrough strategy, creative excellence and data-driven innovation. His leadership spans category marketing, brand communications, digital engagement, media strategy and global market development — all focused on inspiring the world to choose blueberries more often.
Before joining the blueberry industry, Hamilton served as vice president of global marketing for Slice, a foodservice technology startup, where he led the marketing department’s efforts to accelerate growth with B2B food service customers. Prior to that, he was senior marketing director at Avocados From Mexico (AFM), where he led the creative, brand strategy and media execution behind one of the most successful produce marketing campaigns in history, including AFM’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial, a cultural milestone that catapulted the brand into the national spotlight and remains central to its marketing success today.
Earlier in his career, Hamilton sharpened his strategic, analytical and marketing expertise at Procter & Gamble, Clorox and The Coca-Cola Company, before moving into agency strategy and consulting roles supporting Fortune 500 and emerging brands alike. Across every role, he has earned a reputation for blending analytical rigor with creative vision — helping brands not just grow but become movements. Hamilton holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.
Visit ThePacker.com for more information about these awards.
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal owns the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.
