Whole Foods Market Honors Supplier Award Honorees in Produce
AUSTIN, TX - Award season is not over yet, folks! In fact, celebrations for wins are perpetually just beginning, thanks to the eternally renewable force that is our industry. This time around, we cheers to those who took home a win from Whole Foods Market’s 6th annual Supplier Awards, which took place in Austin, Texas, at a special reception. These awards shine a light on producers that exemplify the grocery chain’s dedication to quality, environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and culinary innovation.
“Our shoppers look to Whole Foods Market for new and delicious products, and we are honored to recognize our top supplier partners who demonstrate industry-leading innovation and impactful work,” said President and COO A.C. Gallo. “These national and local suppliers were selected from thousands of driven, passionate, mission-based brands at Whole Foods Market and represent the best in class in sourcing, and commitment to the highest quality standards.”
In total, 27 perishable and non-perishable suppliers were honored this year. Within that grand total, there were two recipients of all-star global Supplier of the Year awards, as well as 11 local supplier partners that took home the region-specific Supplier of the Year awards, according to a press release. These highlighted the companies’ product innovations and partnerships with their local communities.
One particularly exciting thing about this announcement is that six of the companies took their business to the next level thanks to Whole Foods’ Local Producer Loan Program. The retail chain celebrates those who have partnered with them, from anywhere between 2 and 25 years.
A few of those from our industry that are making waves with their wins are the following:
The company was recognized for its diverse offerings of local fruit and vegetable growers throughout the U.S. and Canada. It works with organic growers, developing growing plans that support receiving, cooling selling, and shipping its produce. From sea to shining sea, the company is spreading the love with its offerings.
The company was honored because of its detailed and innovative approach to business. From orchard to pack house, it has shown a dedication to both organic and conventional cherries, apples, pears, and blueberries that can be found in the retail chain throughout the year. This is the third year in a row that the company has been recognized for its efforts and distinguished business. The company clearly knows how to make it all work and thrive.
The company took home a win for its sustainable farming methods. Its commitment to renewable energy can be seen in its support of responsible production methods being nationally adopted. As a result of its hard work, the company brings high-quality fresh and dried fruit, apple butters, and ciders to the Whole Foods table. Fresh produce, fun ciders, and farming methods that make this world a better place? That’s a winning combo, if you ask me!
The company was recognized because of its tremendous contribution to the Whole Foods produce section, offering an expanded selection of both popular and specialty produce items—a growth that can be attributed, in part, to its receipt of two Local Produce Loan Program loans from the retail chain since 2004. This growth is as hot as the pepper selection its looking to expand moving forward.
The nonprofit, farmers’ co-op was rewarded for its healthy, high-quality foods that are produced with the help of small-scale family farms and their enriched soils. It offers quality, heirloom varietals, and great customer service from the 100+ family farmers that run the co-op, because teamwork makes the dream work.
For more on these winners and others who took home an award, check out Whole Foods’ press release here.
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