National Grocers Association Honors Kim Eskew
The Harps Food Stores leader received the Industry Service Award for fostering collaboration across the grocery sector.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Local Shops
The National Grocers Association presented its Industry Service Award to Kim Eskew, the chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores. The honor was bestowed during the association's Executive Conference in Chicago to recognize Eskew's commitment to building strong relationships among retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.
Why it matters
This award highlights the importance of collaborative leadership within the independent grocery industry. By fostering better ties across the supply chain, such leaders help sustain the vital operational partnerships that support local food markets nationwide.
The independent grocery sector currently employs 1.1 million people and generates $39 billion in annual wages. Additionally, the industry contributes $36 billion in taxes to the national economy.
The players
Kim Eskew
He is the chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores and a long-time leader in the independent grocery industry.
National Grocers Association
This trade association represents the independent retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the majority of the food distribution network.
Harps Food Stores
This company is a regional grocery store chain that operates numerous locations across several states.
Karen Eskew
She is a partner who, alongside Kim Eskew, was recognized with the Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award.
The details
Kim Eskew, who began his career at Harps Food Stores in 1977, assumed the roles of chairman and CEO in 2018. He previously received the 2024 Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, and he and Karen Eskew have been honored with the Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award.
Timeline
Kim Eskew began his career at Harps in 1977.
Kim Eskew became chairman and CEO in 2018.
Eskew received the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in 2024.
Eskew received the Industry Service Award in October 2026.
Culture Shift
Recognizing leadership that bridges gaps between retailers and manufacturers represents a strategic shift toward strengthening local supply chains. This approach prioritizes long-term cooperation over competition, helping independent grocers survive in an era dominated by large-scale chains.
The strengthening of relationships between regional grocers and their suppliers can lead to more stable product pricing and improved availability for local shoppers. Consumers may notice more consistent supply chains as independent retailers leverage these cooperative industry practices.
The takeaway
Effective collaboration across the grocery supply chain remains a cornerstone of keeping independent food markets viable for the public. Recognizing leaders who prioritize these partnerships helps ensure that the industry continues to provide essential goods and jobs in communities nationwide.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the grocery sector at our Local Shops hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Perishable News.
