Repeated recognition: WMU food marketing program wins industry award for second consecutive year
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's food marketing program is being recognized for industry exceptionalism by Progressive Grocer. 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. Western’s food marketing program received the 2025 Impact Award for Educational Support and Learning Advancement, following a 2024 recognition in the same category. WMU is the first and only university to win this award.
“We are beyond honored to receive this award from Progressive Grocer for the second year in a row,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the WMU food marketing program. “Our food marketing program is unique with students who are fully versed in category management principles, data analytics, professional selling and sustainability. In addition, food marketing students partake in Experience-Driven Learning through opportunities like our Great Lakes Industry Tour, Food Marketing in Ireland study abroad trip, Food Marketing Association and Food Marketing Conference. To be recognized for educating future leaders in our industry is both a prestigious honor and something we take seriously each day.”
About Progressive Grocer
Progressive Grocer (PG) provides leading industry reporting, digital platforms, research, relevant and focused events and a sophisticated industry database that retailers turn to for guidance in navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing industry.
As the voice of the retail food industry since 1922, PG’s core audience consists of top management at headquarters and key decision makers at the store level. PG’s Impact Awards recognize organizations that are achieving excellence in ESG efforts.
WMU food marketing: An appetite for success
With decades of experience in educating food marketing professionals, the WMU program is a leading force in the food and CPG industries.
The program prepares its students through Experience-Driven Learning, hands-on learning informed by industry best practices. Students engage with real business issues in the food industry, working with companies on challenging business cases and projects.
The result? Food marketing students have multiple internship opportunities and job offers upon graduation while alumni develop into thought leaders with long-term careers in the field.
The opening of the Food Marketing Hub in late September has given the program a dedicated space for even more engagement with employers and industry partners and the opportunity for social activities that promote peer connections and a sense of belonging.
According to the WMU Career Outcomes Report:
- 100% of food marketing graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning while earning their degree.
- 100% of food marketing graduates working full time are satisfied with their job.
- 100% of food marketing graduates had instructors who made them excited about learning.
To learn more about the program, visit WMU food marketing online.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.