Generation Next finalists announced

Canadian Grocer is pleased to announce the finalists in our first annual Generation Next Awards.

The Generation Next Awards recognize the up-and-coming leaders in the grocery and consumer packaged goods industries. “NEXT” stands for New Exciting Thinkers and to qualify for the award individuals must be under the age of 40 as of December 31, 2011 and have demonstrated innovation, leadership and a commitment to the grocery industry.

The 2011 finalists are:

• Marc Viola, senior director of talent at Loblaw Companies in Brampton, Ont.

• Neil Kudrinko, president of Kudrinko’s in Westport, Ont.

• Michael Longo, vice-president of fresh merchandising at Longo Brothers in Vaughan, Ont.

• Jay Klein, president of Pur Gum in Toronto

• Fraser DeWalle, Canadian sales manager for Voortman Cookies in Calgary

• Toby Berkel, general manager of Allied Reclamation Services in Toronto

• Matthew Feaver, shopper insights manager for Campbell Company of Canada in Toronto

• Brian Johns and Giancarlo Trimarchi, managers of Vince's Market in Sharon, Ont.

Finalists were chosen by the editorial team of Canadian Grocer from nominations submitted by people in the grocery industry from June through September.

The winners of the Generation Next Award, one from the retail grocery side of the business and another from the supplier side will be announced at the Golden Pencil Awards, which are being held on Nov. 28th at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. For ticket information for the Golden Pencils click here.