Trade Gathers to Celebrate IDDBA Champions of Change

More than 300 industry leaders gathered at a celebratory awards reception at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s ongoing annual expo and conference in Orlando to celebrate the 45-member charter class of Champions of Change.

The new industry awards program, presented by Winsight Grocery Business and IDDBA, launched this year to recognize top talent and leadership in the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese and foodservice sectors of the retail food industry.

“We are proud to present this new, collaborative industry recognition platform in partnership with IDDBA, which proudly recognizes 45 talented, team-oriented individuals, each of whom have contributed greatly to the success of grocery fresh departments while fostering career paths and growth avenues for the next generation of leaders,” said Jeff Friedman, EVP of Winsight Media and Grocery Business, in his welcome remarks.

Event co-host Jeremy Johnson, VP of education for IDDBA, concurred. “This event is such an important and welcome addition to IDDBA, our members and the industry. It provides an ideal platform to recognize both long-term contributions to the industry with our Legendary Champions category, as well as the future leaders and movers and shakers recognized in the Emerging Champions category,” he said.

“Each year, IDDBA recognizes a single individual with our Chairman’s Award,” Johnson continued, “but there are so many others worthy of recognition. The Champions of Change Awards program does just that.”

Prior to the formal awards presentation ceremony, WGB VP of Content Meg Major provided a brief overview of the qualifications and criteria for Champions of Change, as well as an inspirational message for future aspiring champions. “We’re privileged to gather together this evening to salute the unsung heroes orchestrating the symphony of splendor that has come to define today’s indispensable fresh food departments; their collective achievements and demonstrated passion to move the industry forward deserve to be showcased and cheered, and we look forward to honoring the next class of IDDBA Champions of Change next year in Indianapolis.”

Sponsors for the Champions of Change reception and awards program included:

WGB will open nominations for next year’s IDDBA Champions of Change in early January 2020.

The full list of IDDBA’s 2019 Champions of Change can be found here.