U.S. Foodservice Announces Winners Of First Annual Vendor Recognition Program

Rosemont, IL /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Foodservice, one of the country's premier foodservice distributors, has announced the recipients of its first annual vendor recognition program.

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091007/CG88856)

During an award ceremony in Rosemont on September 30, Windsor Foods won top honors and was named U.S. 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 U.S. Foodservice and our customers extraordinary support. Our recognition program honors exceptional suppliers who help U.S. Foodservice and our customers prosper in all aspects of our business," said Pat Mulhern, president, Monarch Food Group.

Vendors were evaluated by 60 U.S. 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.

"These prestigious awards recognize the best vendors in the food industry," said Bob Aiken, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Foodservice. "We're proud to honor our vendors for their invaluable contributions to the success of our customers and our company."

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

• Center of the Plate - Icelandic USA
• Disposables - Georgia Pacific
• Dry Groceries - ACH / Tone's
• Frozen Groceries - Campbell's Soup Company
• Produce - Reser's Fine Foods
• Dairy - Michael Foods

The following 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 Company
• Business Friendliness - Pilgrim's Pride

About U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of the country's premier foodservice distributors, offering 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 proudly employs 26,000 associates in more than 60 locations nationwide who are poised to serve customers beyond their expectations. As an industry leader, with access to resources beyond the ordinary, U.S. Foodservice provides the finest quality food and related products to neighborhood restaurants, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, hotels, government entities and other eating establishments. To find out how U.S. Foodservice can be Your partner beyond the plate®, visit www.usfoodservice.com.

SOURCE U.S. Foodservice