FMI Announces 2026 Store Manager Awards Winners

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today, during a livestreamed award ceremony, FMI – The Food Industry Association announces the recipients of the 2026 Store Manager Awards, recognizing exemplary food retail store managers who demonstrate operational excellence, team leadership, customer service, innovation and meaningful community impact. The 2026 awards program recognized four category winners and one People’s Pick recipient from among 12 finalists and more than 110 nominations.

“Store managers are essential leaders in the food industry, combining business savvy, customer service, and social skills to create a store environment where the local community finds the food they want and the connections they seek,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “This year’s Store Manager Awards winners show us what exceptional leadership looks like in action and their stories remind us that food retail is not just managing supply chains and maintaining an attractive storefront; it’s a business of caring for people and serving a community. FMI is proud to celebrate these remarkable leaders and the profound impact they make across our industry and in their neighborhoods.”

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Store Manager Awards recipients: 

• Category A: James Hensel, Oregon Dairy, Lititz, Pennsylvania
• Category B: Wei Zheng, 99 Ranch Market, part of the TAWA Services Inc, Chandler, Arizona
• Category C: Mark Ferrari, QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies, Bothell, Washington
• Category D: Kanchan Rijal, SPAR EXPRESS Paceville, St. Julians, Malta

FMI also announced Mark Ferrari of QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies as the 2026 People’s Pick recipient. Ferrari earned more than 10,000 votes out of more than 16,700 total votes cast in the online competition, reflecting strong support from associates, customers and community members.

The Store Manager Awards are made possible with the support of presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company. FMI appreciates The Coca-Cola Company’s continued partnership in recognizing store managers whose leadership helps feed families, inspire teams and support communities.

For more information about the Store Manager Awards, visit FMI Store Manager Awards.

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FAQ On Store Manager Award 2026 Winners

What are the FMI Store Manager Awards?

The Store Manager Awards annually recognize exemplary food retail store managers who demonstrate operational excellence, team leadership, customer service, innovation and meaningful community impact. The program is generously supported by The Coca-Cola Company. Learn more at www.FMI.org/StoreManagerAwards.

Who are the 2026 Recipients of the Store Manager Awards?

 The 2026 Store Manager Awards recipients are:

• Category A: James Hensel, Oregon Dairy, Lititz, Pennsylvania
• Category B: Wei Zheng, 99 Ranch Market, Chandler, Arizona
• Category C: Mark Ferrari, QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies, Bothell, Washington
• Category D: Kanchan Rijal, SPAR Paceville, St. Julians, Malta
  

Mark Ferrari of QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies also received the 2026 Store Manager Awards People’s Pick award after receiving more than 10,000 votes out of more than 16,700 total votes cast in the online competition.

Who participates in the Store Manager Awards?

Food retail companies submit nominations for FMI’s Store Manager Awards based on employees’ ability to demonstrate operational excellence, team leadership, customer service, innovation and meaningful community impact. In 2026, FMI received 110 nominations and recognized 12 finalists. Winners in four categories and one People’s Pick recipient are announced annually.