Ocean Mist Farms’ Kevin Tottino Receives Progressive Grocer “GenNext” Award
Ocean Mist Farms (OMF), the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the US, is proud to announce Progressive Grocer’s has named Kevin Tottino, value added manager at Ocean Mist Farms, a recipient of the third annual GenNext Award.
This award recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in either the grocery or CPG industries; innovation through the work they are doing; leadership, including the capacity to inspire and lead others, a commitment to learn from others; and a commitment to getting involved in the industry, helping through charities or in the community, and bringing the industry into the future.
“We are very proud of the work Kevin has done here at Ocean Mist Farms and congratulate him on this well-deserved award,” said Chris Drew, Chief Operations Officer of Ocean Mist Farms. “Kevin has an innate sense for product innovation for the products we grow and his passion to support the local community where he lives and works, along with many others from the organization, is a heartfelt responsibility.”
For nearly 10 years, Tottino has built and managed the value-added operation of Ocean Mist Farms, the next generation focus for this nearly 100-year-old company, and shepherded the introduction of the first Ocean Mist Farms value added item, Season & Steam Artichokes. His ingenuity with production, and his innate sense for product innovation and consumer demand, made him an ideal candidate for the GenNext Award.
When he’s not at work, Tottino serves on the Annual Castroville Artichoke Festival Board of Directors and has been involved in this annual community outreach event since he was a child.
Tottino’s role as the fourth generation of a nearly 100-year-old family business allows for his forward-thinking perspective to have a unique forum.
“I am honored to be recognized in this way and am humbled to be among the other nominees in this category,” said Tottino. “I will take this recognition as a sign that I’m right where I need to be. I look forward to many more years of serving my community and Ocean Mist Farms.”