Dr. Russell Zwanka supervises WMU food marketing students.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s food marketing program has been recognized by Progressive Grocer as an exceptional effort in the industry. The organization highlights outstanding grocers, suppliers, service providers and organizations that have a positive impact on society through their environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities with its Impact Awards. Western’s food marketing program received the 2024 Impact Award for Educational Support and Learning Advancement. WMU is the first university to receive this award.
“We are thrilled to receive this award from Progressive Grocer,” said Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the WMU Food Marketing Program. “Our food marketing program is special, preparing students to hit the ground running with familiarity with category management principles, data analysis, professional selling, and the unique nuances of this great industry. Being recognized for our efforts is rewarding and helps solidify why we collaborate with industry to develop future leaders. Collaboration is what makes this program great.”
About Progressive Grocer
Progressive Grocer is the #1 business intelligence brand in the grocery industry, connecting the market’s most important retailers. Progressive Grocer guides retailers to navigate a fast-paced, ever-changing industry through industry-leading reporting, digital platforms, research, relevant and focused events, and a sophisticated industry database. I’m looking for.
About WMU Food Marketing
The WMU program has decades of experience educating food marketing professionals and a storied history of being at the forefront of “all things food and consumer packaged goods.”
Recognized by Consumer Goods Technology as one of CPG’s top 11 colleges in 2023, the program prepares students through experience-driven learning. Students work on real business problems in the food industry and work with companies on challenging business cases and projects. The program includes industry tours where students engage with more than 30 companies, the WMU Food Marketing Conference, which brings together 1,000 industry professionals to learn about the latest in food marketing, and provides students with professional development and social connections. Includes the Food Marketing Association. Multiple internship opportunities for students.
The student outcomes in the program speak for themselves.
For more information about the program, visit WMU Food Marketing Online.
For more information on WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News Online.
