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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The ɫɫ�� Michigan University food marketing program is being recognized for industry exceptionalism by . The organization highlights outstanding grocers, suppliers, service providers and organizations that positively affect society through environmental, social and governance (ESG) actions with their Impact Awards. ɫɫ��’s food marketing program received the 2024 Impact Award for Educational Support and Learning Advancement. ɫɫ�� is the first university to win this award.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Progressive Grocer,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the ɫɫ�� food marketing program. “Our food marketing program is special, in that we prepare our students to hit the ground running fully versed in category management principles, data analytics, professional selling and the unique nuances of this awesome industry. To be recognized for these efforts is rewarding and helps solidify why we work hand in hand with the industry to grow our future leaders. Our students, our specialized curriculum and our industry collaboration make this program great.”

About Progressive Grocer

Progressive Grocer is the No. 1 business intelligence brand in the grocery industry, connecting the market’s most important retailers. Through its leading industry reporting, digital platforms, research, relevant and focused events and sophisticated industry database, retailers turn to Progressive Grocer for guidance in navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing industry. 

About ɫɫ�� food marketing

With decades of experience in educating food marketing professionals, the ɫɫ�� program has a storied history of being on the leading edge of “all things food and consumer packaged goods.” 

Recognized in 2023 as one of the by Consumer Goods Technology, the program prepares its students through experience-driven learning. Students engage with real business issues in the food industry, working with companies on challenging business cases and projects. The program boasts an industry tour, where students engage with over 30 companies, the ɫɫ�� Food Marketing Conference, which brings 1,000 industry professionals together to learn the latest in food marketing, the Food Marketing Association, which offers students professional development and social connections, and multiple internship opportunities for students.

Student outcomes in the program speak for themselves.

• 100% of food marketing graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree
• 100% of food marketing graduates participated in experience-driven learning while earning their degree
• 100% of food marketing graduates felt their education and experiences as a student at ɫɫ�� prepared them for their profession

To learn more about the program, visit ɫɫ�� food marketing online.

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