Schnuck exec honored by produce pub

ST. LOUIS A weekly newspaper serving the produce industry has given a top award to a Schnuck Markets executive.

The Packer named Schnucks VP produce and floral Michael O’Brien the 2009 “Marketer of the Year,” Schnucks announced, presenting him with the award at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit earlier this month.

O’Brien has worked in the supermarket industry for 37 years, starting at Schnucks as a bagger in 1972, becoming a store manager in 1983 and division manager in 1990. He has served in his current position since 2001.

Schnucks said O’Brien had taken an “active role” in promoting produce consumption and was a member of a number of industry organizations. He is chairman-elect of the PMA’s board of directors and served as chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation in 2007, promoting that organizations “5 a day, Fruits & Veggies – More Matters” campaign to promote the eating of fruits and vegetables. Produce Merchandising magazine also named him “Retailer of the Year” in 2004.