ROSEMONT, IL - Every year, US Foods takes stock of its more than 3,000 suppliers, choosing just a four special partners to recognize. For 2018, one of our produce industry own made the top of the list and will be honored at US Foods’  Fall Food Lovers Forum in Chicago: Mann Packing. The Salinas, California-based company was chosen for the annual Produce Award based on its full pipeline of great products and continuous support of US Foods, whether on-the-ground at the local level or when providing strategic logistics solutions.

“These exemplary vendor partners go above and beyond to help us provide the highest quality products and business solutions to our more than 250,000 customers across the U.S.,” said Andrew Iacobucci, the foodservice company’s Chief Merchandising Officer. “We’re proud to work with such outstanding organizations who share our customer focus, commitment to innovation, and cultural beliefs. Congratulations to the winning companies for setting the standard for quality and excellence in our industry.”

Each category had five nominees that were selected based on their impressive partnerships with US Foods throughout the year, according to a press release, then rated on criteria such as innovation and product quality, support and collaboration, and exemplifying US Foods cultural beliefs and goals. Winners were selected by the US Foods field leadership team and merchandising and sales employees who interact with these suppliers on a daily basis.

In addition to Mann Packing, companies honored include:

Center-of-the-Plate and Supplier of the Year Awards:

Trident Seafoods has been a valued partner to US Foods for decades and truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader in the protein industry. Its sustainability-driven mission is commendable and it’s complemented by a commitment to its partners’ success.

Grocery Award:

Sugar Foods Corporation consistently delivers high quality products that play a significant role in an operator’s menu. It continuously deliver reliable service in this highly collaborative partnership. Sugar Foods raises the bar every year to provide a competitive and “Easy” advantage for US Foods’ business.

Non-Foods:

ProGuard Service and Solutions partners with US Foods throughout all areas of the organization to provide best-in-class cleaning and sanitizing products. It is always one step ahead in responding to the ever-changing needs of customers in this specialty area.

Congratulations to Mann Packing and the three other companies honored by US Foods. Here's to another year of excellence!

US Foods