One of our core tenets at AndNowUKnow is advocacy for fresh produce—a deeply held belief that the rising tide lifts us all because what we do is important and inherently well-meaning. Shawn Peery is not only a champion of these values, but a paragon of passion for both the purpose and the art form of the produce industry.
From his engaging Perfecting the Art of Fresh posts on LinkedIn that celebrate all the voices of produce, to his infectious enthusiasm for the industry that burns brighter as his tenure deepens, I cannot imagine a stronger candidate for the Besties’ Best Fresh Produce Retailer.
“It all starts with FRESH,” Albertsons Companies’ National Vice President, Produce, tells me when I ask what core philosophies drive how he and the team approach the produce department. “Culling, Cleaning, Crisping, and detailing—the foundation of our business. Customers should never walk up to a display that has not been culled. It can be low but always should be FRESH. Perfecting the Art of Fresh.”
Both personally and professionally, Shawn has made clear to me and anyone else who has known him for any length of time that this business is a significant one he represents from the heart. That was never made more clear than by his battle to come back to work after suffering a stroke.
“I had a stroke back in February at our Buying Summit in Chicago. I have been out of work and in therapy since then, and as part of my recovery, I spend time observing produce departments and customer experiences. It has strengthened my appreciation for the quality, innovation and dedication that go into delivering fresh products to our customers every day,” he shares. “This has been the hardest therapy, from the visual stimulation, the emotional toll, and the mental drain it has on me. But I keep going back with the end goal that I can return to work in some capacity. It is a journey- I truly miss the engagement with our Store Associates, Regional/Division Leadership, Distribution Teams, and our Grower Partners—sharing our success of Perfecting the Art of Fresh.”
It is a journey I have had the honor to witness just one chapter of, and Shawn continues to share both wisdom and navigation through challenges.
“The produce department determines where a customer shops. Period. Yes, pricing has risen in importance, making value such an important part of the equation: Quality + Price = Value,” he reflects. Translation: You get what you pay for. “Customers are willing to go out of their way for a produce department they trust, one that consistently delivers quality and freshness. This has shaped my career for over 40 years, and it is my drive to continue coaching the next generation of leaders to continue their journey of raising the bar in Perfecting the Art of Fresh.”
Yet Shawn says that even as variables change and time passes, freshness and quality remain.
“It all starts with FRESH. Culling, Cleaning, Crisping, and detailing—the foundation of our business. Customers should never walk up to a display that has not been culled. It can be low but always should be FRESH. Perfecting the Art of Fresh.”
Shawn Peery, National Vice President, Produce, Albertsons Companied
“Many customers today are focused on getting the most value from their grocery budget. We are continuing to adapt to customer needs through innovation, new merchandising approaches and a differentiated shopping experience,” he concludes.
Having heard from Shawn myself that there is no fresh produce without the growers, suppliers, trucks, stockers, and boots on all grounds that bring it to the store, I’m thrilled that he now holds the 2026 Best Fresh Produce Retailer title. I also want to extend a huge thank you to our Besties Committee for their time, dedication, and care to selecting our additional winners.
Each year, our team compiles the Besties ballot with nominations across all award categories, and our committee votes to determine the winners.
This year, the committee voted on every category except Retailer of the Year, Pillar of the Industry Award, and Innovator of the Year—three honors selected by our leadership team due to their special significance.
Relationships mean everything, and each of them brought their own passion, experience, and standards to the process. Your contributions are deeply valued.
Congratulations Shawn, on this well-deserved award. 
