AUSTIN, TX - The relationship between buyer and supplier is essential to our food chain, helping to bridge the gap between farm and fork. Natural grocers like Whole Foods Market are truly spearheading this effort, bolstering fresh produce grown by our industry’s most prominent producers. Whole Foods recently honored some of its supplier partners, naming 32 of the top players for their outstanding achievements in 2019 and ongoing commitments to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, purpose, and partnership.
“We’re honored to work with and celebrate the remarkable contributions of these suppliers that embody Whole Foods Market’s core values and consistently raise the bar in our industry,” said Don Clark, Senior Vice President of Non-Perishables Merchandising. “Their dedication to excellence, quality, innovation, and partnership is critical to our success and delivering on our mission to nourish people and the planet.”
According to a press release, this was the company's eighth annual Supplier Awards. The honorees were selected by Whole Foods Market global and regional leadership, category experts, and buyers who work closely with these suppliers on a daily basis. There were three outstanding produce suppliers who managed to nab a spot on the list this year: Braga Fresh Family Farms, Suntreat, and Del Rey Avocado Company.
Braga Fresh Family Farms received a Special Recognition awared for providing fresh, high-quality produce and offering excellent service. Farming from the Salinas Valley to Yuma, AZ, for three generations, Braga Fresh quickly became a key supplier for Whole Foods Market in the wet vegetable category, collaborating with the company to refine its offerings and demonstrating consistent engagement and commitment to partnership.
In the outstanding innovation category, Suntreat (Parent Company; AC Foods) was awarded an Outstanding Innovation award after being named for its commitment to selling the highest quality citrus and practicing a win-win partnership. Notably, Suntreat worked with Whole Foods Market to create a remarkable retail program for the widely popular Sumo Citrus variety since it was first launched. Suntreat is also a trusted supplier of a number of other conventional and organic citrus varieties.
Del Rey Avocado Company was awarded a Service and Partnership award, after being recognized for exceptional partnership and attention to service, both of which have made the company a top avocado supplier. In addition to always being readily available and providing transparency, the Del Rey team is committed to high quality and social responsibility by creating economically viable business relationships, utilizing technologies that minimize waste, and practicing environmentally sound agricultural practices in growing its avocados.
For the full list of winners, click here.
Congratulations to all of the incredible suppliers who were named in this year’s Whole Foods Market Supplier Awards.
