Oct 8, 2009 9:25 AM

Standing, from left: Lisa Russell, ACH Food Companies Inc; Dennis Bradshaw, Icelandic USA Inc; Ron Salzman, Reser’s Fine Foods; Jeff Tassert, Windsor Foods; Michael Meador, Michael Foods; Sandi Ceragno, Georgia Pacific; and Steve Scales, Campbell’s Soup Co. Seated, from left: Clay Williamson, Tyson Foods Inc; Jamie Marshall, Trident Seafoods Corp; Dave Sordo, Kraft Foodservice; Ginger Lowe-Smith, Windsor Foods; Bob Benson, Campbell’s Soup Co; and Tom Bell, Pilgrim’s Pride.

US Foodservice has announced the recipients of its first annual vendor recognition program.

During a September 30 award ceremony in Rosemont IL, Windsor Foods won top honors and was named US Foodservice’s 2009 Vendor of the Year out of more than 700 vendors.

“It is a real pleasure to recognize Windsor Foods and the 11 other great suppliers who in 2009 have shown US Foodservice and our customers extraordinary support. Our recognition program honors exceptional suppliers who help US Foodservice and our customers prosper in all aspects of our business,” said Pat Mulhern, president, Monarch Food Group.

Vendors were evaluated by 60 US Foodservice divisions and the Monarch Food Group support office on 10 criteria: food safety, product quality, sales growth in the independent sector, gross margin improvement, merchandising support, divisional sales support, logistics, national account support, USF-exclusive brands, and business friendliness.

Six companies were recognized for their superior performance in these product categories:

•Frozen Groceries—Campbell’s Soup Co

•Produce—Reser’s Fine Foods

•Dairy—Michael Foods

•Center of the Plate—Icelandic USA

•Disposables—Georgia Pacific

•Dry Groceries—ACH/Tone’s

These companies also were awarded the Departmental Excellence award:

•Food Safety and Quality Assurance—Tyson Foods

•Sustainability—Trident Seafoods

•Diversity—Windsor Foods

•Logistics—Kraft Foodservice

•Exclusive Brands Partnership—Campbell’s Soup Co

•Business Friendliness—Pilgrim’s Pride

US Foodservice offers more than 43,000 national, private label, and signature brand items and an array of services to its more than 250,000 customers. The company employs 26,000 associates in more than 60 locations nationwide.