Retailer announces winners of ninth annual Supplier Awards
Fitchburg, Wisconsin (May 25, 2021) – Emmi Roth has been recognized by Whole Foods Market as a winner of the grocer’s ninth annual Supplier Awards, taking home the honor of Supply Chain Support. The Whole Foods Market Supplier Awards distinguish 42 companies that raised the bar in 2020, including local, regional and national brands across all product categories.
“We are thrilled to accept the Supply Chain Support award from Whole Foods Market on behalf of our entire organization involved in this honor,” said Jodie Wische, Senior Vice President of Specialty Sales at Emmi Roth. “Our open communication, flexibility, planning, and collaboration across our entire organization during the pandemic has allowed us to react and fulfill the challenging demands that occurred in 2020. I am so proud of our team and culture that have made achieving this award possible!”
Awards and recipients for 2020:
Supplier of the Year
Supplier of the Year is awarded to Whole Foods Market suppliers who rise to the top in overall excellence.
Global winners: Kvaroy Arctic (Perishables Supplier of the Year), FOODMatch (Culinary Supplier of the Year), Solely (Center Store Supplier of the Year)
Regional winners: Rainforest Distribution (Mid-Atlantic), NAPI (Navajo Agricultural Products Industry)/Navajo Pride Organics (Rocky Mountain), Nana Joes Granola (Northern California), Adams Ranch (Florida), Iggy’s Bread of the World (North Atlantic), Mill-King Market & Creamery (Southwest), Sacred Serve (Midwest), Big Spoon Roasters (South), Island Spring Organics (Pacific Northwest), IWON Organics (Southern Pacific), Bread Alone Bakery (Northeast), The Gluten Free Bakery (United Kingdom)
Special Recognition is awarded to suppliers that go above and beyond in helping Whole Foods Market grow and drive business as well as inspire and delight customers.
Global winners: Great Range Bison, Mastronardi, Diageo, Pact Apparel, Pastry Star, Kettle Cuisine, Agritalia
Awarded only to new global suppliers in 2020, Rookie of the Year is presented to new global suppliers who provide products to three or more Whole Foods Market regions with strong overall performance and execution.
Global winners: Milk Bar, Greenbar Distillery, Yonges Island Fish Company
Quality and Innovation
Suppliers that help us advance Whole Foods Market standards and take an actionable part in moving the industry forward are recognized with Raising the Bar for Quality awards. This year’s recipients have displayed innovative manufacturing or agricultural techniques.
Global winners: LaBelle Patrimoine Heritage Chickens, Alaska Glacier Seafoods, Sun Pacific, Bianco DiNapoli, New Yorker Bagels, MegaFood
The recognition of Outstanding Innovation is awarded to suppliers leading disruptive innovation, positioned boldly at the forefront of industry trends.
Global winner: Primal Kitchen
Supply Chain Support recognizes suppliers that find creative solutions to logistical challenges and prioritize Whole Foods Market’s customer demand.
Global winners: Rao’s, Applegate Farms, Emmi Roth
Purpose and Core Values
Environmental Stewardship is awarded to suppliers who have established environmentally conscious business methods and models, such as reducing carbon footprint and incorporating ecofriendly packaging.
Global winner: GoMacro
Brands aligned with Whole Foods Market’s core value to care for our communities receive the Purpose Driven Empowerment recognition.
Global winners: Bloomia, Subject to Change Wine Co., Tony’s Chocolonely
Suppliers that are awarded the Regenerative Agriculture Commitment award are committed to holistic farming and grazing management practices that improve soil, enhance biodiversity and increase carbon capture.
Global winners: Atkins Ranch, Alexandre Family Farms
Key suppliers who support and share Whole Foods Market business initiatives and win-win-win outcomes are awarded the Service and Partnership recognition.
Global winner: Taylor Farms
About Emmi Roth
Emmi Roth is an industry leader in providing the nation’s most popular specialty cheeses. From making some of the most awarded cheeses in the U.S. to importing Switzerland’s most beloved cheeses, we work every day to craft the world’s best. Emmi Roth has operations at five locations across Wisconsin producing and importing national cheese brands like Roth® Cheese, Emmi USA, and more. For more information, visit emmiroth.com.