Apr 20, 2009 10:36 AM

Hormel Foods Corporation announced that 69 suppliers were awarded a 2008 Spirit of Excellence Award for their role in the company’s continuous improvement process during the past year. These suppliers are from a variety of service areas, including purchasing, transportation, provisions, producers, contractors, co-packers, and local plant suppliers.

“This award showcases the dedication of each of our suppliers to help Hormel Foods achieve the industry’s ‘gold standard’ for quality and product safety,” said Melanie A Faust, director of purchasing at Hormel Foods.

Suppliers that qualify for the Spirit of Excellence Award must maintain a minimum Supplier Rating Index score of 92 over a 12-month period. This score is determined by a universal measurement system started in 1990 to ensure every supplier is held to the same standards. Criteria for the award include meeting performance requirements, making on-time deliveries, and providing high-level administrative support. The committee also weighs suppliers’ customer support and awareness and commitment to environmental concerns.

All 2008 Spirit of Excellence Award winners enter the running for the Hormel Foods No. 1 Award. This award, given out every five years, will be awarded in 2011 for the 2006-2010 period. Criteria for the award require the recipients to have received a Spirit of Excellence Award four out of five years.