The Fresh Market names former Winn-Dixie exec as merchandising chief

The Fresh Market is appointing a 35-year industry veteran as chief merchandising officer.

The fresh-focused specialty grocer has named Dan Portnoy as chief merchandising officer, reporting to president and CEO Larry Appel. Portnoy brings more than 35 years of experience in food retail merchandising and marketing, having been chief merchandising & marketing officer at Winn-Dixie Stores and president and CEO at Kings Super Markets/Balducci's Markets. He has also held prior leadership positions at beverage company Cott Corporation and private brand development firm Daymon Worldwide.

In addition to serving on the senior leadership team, Portnoy will have The Fresh Market's merchandising directors, as well as group VP of merchandise operations Lance Twitty, reporting to him. 

Portnoy received his MBA in marketing and consumer research from Baruch College, and his bachelor of science in finance & statistics from Babson College. 

"I believe Dan to be one of the brightest and most creative merchants in the industry," said Larry Appel, CEO at The Fresh Market. "He possesses both a strong understanding of our specialty brand and the business acumen to deliver results. With Dan at the helm of our merchandising team, I am confident that we will achieve our vision of being the premier fresh-focused specialty food retailer."

The Fresh Market currently operates 160 stores in 22 states across the U.S.