The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) presented its Hall of Achievement Award to Greg Wasson, retired Walgreens president and CEO, and George Deese, chairman of the board of Flowers Foods.

“GMA is proud to recognize these two extraordinary business leaders in the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry,” said Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of GMA.  “Their leadership, impact on the industry and record of success and service is an inspiration to us all.”

The Hall of Achievement Award is GMA’s highest honor. The award recognizes the extraordinary service and contributions of the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry’s most distinguished leaders.

GMA said Deese was recognized for growing Flowers Foods into the second-largest baking company in the US through organic growth, market expansion, and strategic acquisitions and for his leadership role in the development of the Grain Foods Foundation.

Wasson was recognized for leading Walgreens through a major rebranding campaign, acquisitions, new product offerings and a strategic partnership and merger with Alliance Boots.

 The Hall of Achievement Award is now in its 31st year. Recent recipients include Michael T. Duke, former president and CEO of Walmart; Timothy Smucker, chairman of the board, The J. M. Smucker Company; and Daniel Wegman, CEO of Wegmans Food Markets.