Austin, TX<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Whole Foods Market has debuted its inaugural Supplier Awards. The awards recognize natural and organic vendors who best exemplify Whole Foods philosophies and values. The Top Supplier of the Year went to Italian food exporter, Agritalia, for exceptional all-around performance, commitment to quality, and constant customer service and transparency. The recipients were chosen by Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts who have worked with vendors to bring products to market. The company also acknowledged supplier partners in nine other categories. They were recognized in the areas of Best in Class went to , Best New Product, Cheese, Environmental, Quality Assurance, Special Achievement, Innovation, Wine and the company’s ethical sourcing program, Whole Trade® Guarantee. Jim Speirs, Global Vice-President of Procurement, Non-Perishables, states, "At Whole Foods Market, we live and breathe our core values, and one of those values is creating win-win relationships with our suppliers. We’re excited to spotlight our outstanding vendors whose shared passion, hard work and true partnership is helping us set the industry gold standard – for quality, ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and more."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.wholefoodsmarket.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
