Charles Choi, managing director of Long Island, New York-based Fruit Tree Farm supermarket, which is affiliated with the Associated Supermarket Group, has received the first PepsiCo Diversity in Leadership Endowment scholarship from the National Grocers Association Foundation. Choi, a second-generation Korean American, was selected to attend the foundation’s annual Executive Leadership Development Program at Cornell University, scheduled for June 6-10. The $5,000 scholarship will cover the cost of program registration ($2,850), with the remaining funds available as a travel stipend.
“Charles is a modern entrepreneur who understands the art and science behind merchandising as well as today’s consumer preferences,” said Michelle Mendoza, ASG's vice president of marketing and customer experience, who nominated Choi for the scholarship, in a statement. “As the supermarket industry is transforming and the American consumer palate has an appreciation for diversity in food, Charles is at the forefront of this transformation.”
The son of Korean immigrants, Choi is following in his family’s footsteps. During the last three years, his responsibilities have increased, and he has applied his business acumen and approachableness to the growth of Fruit Tree’s supermarkets.
“We are honored to support Charles’ professional development efforts through this year’s ELDP event, which will provide him with additional tools to drive his family’s business even further,” said Maggie White, NGA Foundation director, in a statement.
The partnership with NGAF is another step in PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey, which in 2020 saw the company announce commitments of more than $570 million over five years to Black and Hispanic communities in the U.S.
“We are proud to extend our support of this important program and provide assistance to an exceptional entrepreneur,” said Kent Montgomery, vice president of North America industry relations at PepsiCo, in a statement. “Expanding representation helps to strengthen the supermarket industry and bring more choice and better service to our customers.”
Scholarship recipients are selected by a diverse committee made up of members of the NGAF Board of Regents, the Women Grocers of America, a representative from Cornell University’s Executive Education program, and PepsiCo leadership.
Related: NGA: Big Box Stores Threaten Independent Grocers; Spudsy Wins PepsiCo North America Greenhouse Prize.
Image: NGA Foundation