Whole Foods Market Names Suppliers of the Year

Whole Foods Market recently recognized 42 local, regional and national suppliers as part of the company’s ninth annual Supplier Awards. Recipients span all product categories and were selected by Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts and buyers who work closely with suppliers every day, the company said.

“It is Whole Foods Market’s honor to celebrate our suppliers who have demonstrated fantastic cooperation, resilience, creativity and commitment to quality, rising to excellence in a year unlike any other,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief marketing and communications officer, in a statement. “This year, we are proud to add the Regenerative Agriculture Commitment award to congratulate suppliers that are making strides to improve farming practices.”

This year Whole Foods’ Global Supplier of the Year awards, honoring those “who rise to the top in overall excellence” went to Kvaroy Arctic (perishables supplier of the year), FOODMatch (culinary supplier of the year) and Solely (center store supplier of the year).

Regional winners of the Supplier of the Year award included Rainforest Distribution (Mid-Atlantic), NAPI (Navajo Agricultural Products Industry)/Navajo Pride Organics (Rocky Mountain), Nana Joes (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), and The Gluten Free Bakery (United Kingdom).

Whole Foods also bestowed a Special Recognition award to suppliers that go above and beyond in helping Whole Foods Market grow and drive business as well as inspire and delight customers, said the Austin-based grocer. Global winners in this category include Great Range Bison, Mastronardi Produce Ltd., Diageo, Pact Apparel, Pastry Star, Kettle Cuisine and 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 were Milk Bar, Greenbar Distillery and Yonges Island Fish Co.

Whole Foods’ annual supplier awards also recognize those “raising the bar.” “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,” the company said. This year’s recipients have displayed innovative manufacturing or agricultural techniques, added Whole Foods.

Global winners of the Raising the Bar award went to LaBelle Patrimoine Heritage Chickens, Alaska Glacier Seafoods, Sun Pacific, Bianco DiNapoli, New Yorker Bagels and MegaFood.

Whole Foods’ Outstanding Innovation award goes to suppliers “leading disruptive innovation, positioned boldly at the forefront of industry trends,” the company said. This year’s global winner was Primal Kitchen.

Supply Chain Support is an award recognizing suppliers that find creative solutions to logistical challenges and prioritize Whole Foods Market’s customer demand, the company said. Global winners in the category this year include Rao's, Applegate Farms and Emmi Roth.

Environmental Stewardship is awarded to suppliers who have established environmentally conscious business methods and models, such as reducing carbon footprint and incorporating eco-friendly packaging, Whole Foods said. This year’s global winner is GoMacro.

Brands aligned with Whole Foods Market’s core value to care for communities receive the Purpose Driven Empowerment recognition, said the company, which recently launched the Sourced for Good program. Global winners in purpose include Bloomia, Subject to Change Wine Co. and 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, Whole Foods said. This year’s global winners include Atkins Ranch and Alexandre Family Farms.

Key suppliers who support and share Whole Foods Market's business initiatives and “win-win-win” outcomes are awarded the Service and Partnership recognition. This year’s global winner is Taylor Farms.