Stars under 40: the Generation Next finalists are revealed

Canadian Grocer magazine has just announced the finalists for this year’s Generation Next Awards.

The annual 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, 2013 and have demonstrated innovation, leadership and a commitment to the grocery industry.

The eight finalists represent a diverse group. Four work in retail and four are employed by suppliers. But they all have one thing in common: a commitment to improving the grocery and food industry in Canada.

Winners of the Generation Next Award (one from the retail side and one from the food industry side) will be announced at the Golden Pencil Awards Nov. 25th in Toronto.

Canadian Grocer's editorial team chose the finalists from entries submitted by the grocery industry this spring and summer. Winners will also be selected by the editors.

Here is a complete list of this year’s finalists:

• Heather Horgan, category manager of floral, Thrifty Foods, Victoria.

• Mario Fiorucci, co-owner, The Healthy Butcher,  Toronto, Kitchener, Ont.

• Adam Orser, CEO, Root Cellar Village Green Grocer, Victoria

• Sean Sportun, manager of security and loss prevention, Mac’s Convenience Stores, Toronto

• Saeed Haniff, category insights manager,  General Mills, Mississauga, Ont.

• George Roith, vice-president of manufacturer practice,  Dunnhumby Canada, Toronto, Montreal

• Adam Grogan, vice-president and general manager of customer business development, Maple Leaf Foods, Toronto

• Tristan Roffey, senior director of business development and emerging payments, Blackhawk Network, Toronto

To learn about the accomplishments of the finalists, pick up a copy of Canadian Grocer’s November issue, out now.

Tickets for the Golden Pencil Awards are still available. Click here.