Maryland Food Industry Council Inducts 4 Into Hall Of Fame - U.S.

The Maryland Food Industry Council, managed by the Maryland Retailers Alliance, inducted four new members into the Maryland Food Industry Hall of Fame on Nov. 5 at its annual breakfast at Martin’s West in Baltimore County.

Established in 2003, the Hall of Fame celebrates businesses and individuals with a lasting impact on Maryland’s food industry. This year’s inductees are state Sen. Pamela Beidle of District 32, Robert Graybill of FMS Solutions, Sprouts Farmers Market and Utz Quality Foods.

“This morning is one of my favorite events of the year because it gives us an opportunity to recognize individuals and companies that have made extraordinary contributions to our industry, our communities, and our state,” said Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance.

The event also included the Pete Manos Retail Executive of the Year Award, given annually in recognition of distinguished industry service, leadership and community involvement. Elda Devarie, founder of EMD Sales and longtime MRA member, received the 2026 award, becoming both the first woman and the first Latina to receive the honor. The award is presented by Food World/Food Trade News.

“Maryland’s food industry does so much more than sell products,” Locklair said. “These companies provide jobs, invest in neighborhoods, support local organizations, contribute to our tax base, and serve Maryland families every single day. They are part of the fabric of our communities, and their success matters to the success of this state.”

Food Industry Hall of Fame inductee Sen. Pamela Beidle with MRA’s Cailey Locklair.
Honoree Robert Graybill of FMS Solutions is flanked by David Green of Save A Lot and Cailey Locklair, MRA president.
Utz’s Kevin Brick accepts his company’s Food Industry Hall of Fame award from Cailey Locklair, MRA president, along with Rob Santoni of FMS Solutions.
Elda Devarie accepts the Pete Manos Retail Executive of the Year Award from Alex Wissel.