FORT WORTH, TX (October 7, 2010)—McCormick & Co., Inc., leading manufacturer of spices and seasonings was named Ben E. Keith Foods 2010 Supplier of the Year at their 27th Annual Supplier Appreciation Dinner held at the Ridglea Country Club. Phil Kafarakis, Vice President, accepted the award from Ben E. Keith Foods President Mike Roach.“
McCormick Foodservice has been a strategic partner with Ben E. Keith for over 20 years. Their unique approach to consultative selling is what we have leveraged in our Sales plans over the years. They align their marketing resources with our teams and develop selling solutions for our customers. They are on the street with us, selling our programs. Their ability to consistently invest in our business makes them the model of our supplier excellence awards,”, said Roach.In accepting the award, Kafarakis noted, “Our entire organization is so very honored to be recognized as BEK’s 2010 Supplier of the Year. To be seen in the eyes of one of our most influential customers, as the “best of the best,” demonstrates the success of our strategic interdependency. The ability to mutually grow in this challenging environment comes from the trust, passion and confidence that our teams share. This award reflects their mutual commitment to excellence. We are so proud!”
Ben E. Keith, the nation’s eighth largest broadline foodservice distributor, chose nine winners in six categories from among its top suppliers. Eligible suppliers were qualified by a scorecard of their past year?s performance and winners were chosen by divisional and corporate management.
The Produce category winner was Combs Produce, while McCain Foods USA and Rich Products Corporation took the Frozen Food category honors. Tyson Foods and Syracuse?s Sausage Company were the Center of the Plate winners. Ventura Foods, LLC and McCormick & Co., Inc. won in the Grocery category. Solo Cup Company was chosen in the Non-Foods category, and the Equipment & Supply winner was The Vollrath Company.
Photo ID L to R: Joe Richardson, Director of Marketing and Program Development, McCormick; Phil Kafarakis, Vice President, McCormick US Industrial Group; Mike Roach, President, Ben E. Keith Foods; Mark Graff, Regional Manager, McCormick; and Andy McCaskill, Vice President Purchasing, Ben E. Keith Foods.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.