A 36-year veteran of the food retail industry, Hutton served as a front-end clerk, store manager, district manager, merchandiser and import buyer before joining government relations. This “rock-solid grounding in how the industry works” enabled Hutton to educate numerous government officials about food retailing, contributing to wins in “tax reform, food stamps, employer mandates and food safety,” according to the tribute.
At the national level, he played a major role in the industry’s most important issues, “especially mandatory country-of-origin labeling,” said Minyard in the award presentation. After the labeling law was passed, “Randy immediately started calling for repeal, for grassroots action, for mobilizing producers and for launching an industry-wide offensive.
“Glen Woodard would be delighted to know that this year’s recipient of the public affairs award is Randy Hutton, Glen’s protégé at Winn-Dixie,” said Minyard. Hutton served under him until Woodard passed away in 1995.
Hutton is the 10th recipient of the award, which was established in 1996.
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.
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