Whole Foods Market announced the recipients of its annual Supplier All-Star Awards, recognizing 15 brands that raise the industry bar for quality, innovation, value and social responsibility, and are aligned with Whole Foods Market’s Core Values, such as caring for local communities and practicing win-win partnerships.
This year’s recipients, who are being honored for their contributions throughout 2022, include brands ranging from 2 to 28 years on Whole Foods Market’s shelves. The awards, now in their 11th year, were previously called Supplier of the Year Awards.
“We are proud to recognize this dedicated group of suppliers and the work they do to serve our customers, advance our mission and propel the industry forward every day,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. “From emerging local brands to longstanding partners beloved by our team members and customers, these suppliers are essential to our business and continue to raise the bar for excellence within the grocery space. Congratulations to this year’s all-stars on this well-deserved recognition.”
Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts and merchants select winners across all departments and product categories, including Private Label, Produce, Specialty, Seafood, Meat, Grocery, Culinary and Whole Body. Suppliers are also nominated by Whole Foods Market’s dedicated Local Foragers, who are responsible for finding new and emerging local producers within the communities served by Whole Foods Market.
Whole Foods Market’s Supplier All-Stars for 2022:
Abbot’s Butcher
Athletic Brewing Co.
Blue Stripes Urban Cacao
Ciruli Brothers
Eel River Organic Beef
FRIAL
Jasper Hill Farm
Kettle Cuisine
New Chapter
Organic Valley
Pangea Shellfish Company
Patagonian Lamb
SIMPLi
The Elite Flower
Vital Farms
For more than 40 years, Whole Foods Market has been the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer. As the first certified organic national grocer, Whole Foods Market has more than 500 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
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Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is now accepting applications from nonprofits throughout the Southeast for its 2023 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in health care, food insecurity and education, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Nonprofit organizations with missions to elevate underserved communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply at www.seggives.com/grantapp through Sept. 30 to be considered for a Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Raymond Rhee, chief people officer of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We know our communities are only as strong as their people, and Ms. Romay serves as a constant inspiration for our diligent work as we grow our commitment to celebrating differences and amplifying the voices of individuals of all backgrounds. Her service to her customers, community and country encourages us to use our resources to combat social injustices and bridge the gap of inequities faced by many marginalized groups in our communities. We invite organizations who share our vision to apply for the grant opportunities to further their missions as they lift up our neighbors in need.”
Last year, SEG presented a total of $300,000 to 30 deserving organizations through the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The program provides recipients – such as Start the Adventure in Reading in New Orleans and Schoolyard Roots in Tuscaloosa, Ala. – with vital funds to fuel their impactful work within the five states the grocer serves.
SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant has provided more than $685,000 in funding to deserving community organizations since its inception in 2020. The grant program reaffirms SEG’s steadfast commitment to racial equity and social justice by offering qualified nonprofits opportunities to receive financial support to help level the playing field for individuals of all backgrounds.
The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant is named for the trailblazing 103-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis, whose dedication to inclusivity and unwavering commitment to diversity and empowerment inspired the grant program aimed at elevating underserved and underrepresented communities. In an era marked by restricted rights for women and people of color, Davis consistently shattered glass ceilings by challenging society’s limited beliefs with her unfathomable accomplishments. Davis is a World War II U.S. Army veteran, NYU multi-degree scholar, New York fashion designer and model, Taekwondo Black Belt and community advocate. At 80 years old, Davis started her career with Winn-Dixie in Montgomery, Alabama., to stay active and engaged; she continues to motivate others through her story and enduring dedication.
In 2022, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans recognized Davis for her contributions as a veteran of the U.S. Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and presented her with the Silver Service Medallion for her exemplary military service and exceptional leadership. The 6888th was the only all-Black Women Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II, and was assigned the momentous and critical task to clear more than two years’ worth of backlogged mail. Davis’ unit was given six months to sort 18 million pieces of mail, which they completed in three months. By restoring the timely flow of mail between the front lines and the Home Front, Davis and the women of the 6888th significantly raised the morale that sustained troops through the final months of the war.
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Heinz has launched The United States of Saucemerica Collection: a limited-edition line-up of 50 United States-inspired condiment packet designs. Saucemerica packets are available in seven condiment varieties, and each packet’s design corresponds to one of the 50 states and its most notable dish – hello, Idaho French Fries and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds!
Rolling out nationwide through the end of August, Heinz is encouraging fans to collect as many different states’ packets as possible and upload them to www.saucemerica.com for a chance to win $500,000 worth of exciting prizes, including a grand prize of $100,000.
“From art to coins, stamps, and more, collecting culture has become a popular practice with devoted fanbases,” says Devaang Sibal, brand manager, Heinz Away from Home. “But perhaps the most unexpected collectible is the Heinz packet. An iconic on-the-go staple, Heinz fans everywhere collect packets in their homes, bags and cars, to ensure they are always on hand in case of a condiment conundrum. With the Saucemerica Collection, we are excited to pay homage to this fan behavior with the unique, hometown pride-evoking designs and multiple chances for fans to win prizes.”
Each Saucemerica packet features either Heinz Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, Real Mayonnaise, Ranch, BBQ Sauce, Tartar Sauce, or Simply Ketchup and the packet designs draw inspiration from the most beloved dishes from each of the 50 states. From a Maryland Crab Cake-inspired Tartar Sauce packet to Texas Brisket BBQ Sauce, Heinz carefully paired each state with the condiment variety that best enhances the dish spotlighted.
Through the end of August, fans can collect the Saucemerica packets at restaurants, drive-thrus, theme parks, movie theaters, stadiums, and more across the country. To ensure consumers can collect as many unique packs as possible all summer long, every participating operator will receive a mix of states throughout June, July and August, depending on which of the seven condiment varieties they feature on their menu.
The SaucemericaCollection supports Heinz’s first global creative platform, “It Has to be Heinz,” which pays homage to its fans by celebrating the irrational love people have for Heinz – from real fans’ personal love affairs with the brand, to the love and care its products are made with. Inspired by real fan stories, including those who always keep condiment packets on hand for “sauce-mergencies,” the brand lives its new purpose with the Saucemerica Collection, uplifting and celebrating this beloved behavior.
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