ROSEMONT, IL (September 24, 2012)—US Foods, the nation's largest privately-owned broadline foodservice distributor, has announced the winners of its annual vendor recognition awards. During a ceremony in Rosemont IL, six companies out of more than 3,000 vendors took home top honors and were named as the best US Foods suppliers.
“This is one of the most important and enjoyable events we host each year because it recognizes success and excellence—that often elusive, always magical combination that only results from hard work, innovation, and commitment,” said Pietro Satriano, chief merchandising officer, US Foods.
More than 60 US Foods divisions and support offices participate in the selection process. This year’s awards included several new categories, including the inaugural Innovation award that honors excellence that is transforming the foodservice industry, and the “Easy to Do Business With” award, which features suppliers that focus on collaborating with US Foods to enhance value for customers.
Six companies were recognized for superior performance in these categories:
- Innovation—Stevison Ham
- Easy to Do Business With—Wells Enterprises
- Produce—Lipman Companies (formerly Custom Pak)
- Grocery and Dairy—Cargill DSO
- Center of the Plate—Patrick Cudahy
- Non-foods, Beverage and Bakery—Handi-foil of America
Vendors were evaluated on a variety of criteria for each individual award. The six category awards focused on variety of metrics, including sales growth, gross margin improvement, merchandising support, product quality, divisional sales support, and logistics.
Past winners of US Foods’ annual Vendor of the Year include National Beef, PepsiCo FoodService, Pilgrim’s Pride, Campbell’s Foodservice, Windsor Foods, ACH/Tone’s, Reser’s Fine Foods, Michael Foods, Tyson Foods, and Trident Seafoods.
US Foods is the 10th-largest private company in America. The company employs about 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide. Headquartered in Rosemont, it is jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
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