For the fourth consecutive year, the nation's foodservice distributors recognized Tyson Food Service Group, Springdale, Ark., for proactive work in the channel.

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) said it surveyed its members about the performance of 45 leading foodservice manufacturers. Tyson was honored as the 2009 IFDA Supplier of the Year on January 31, 2010, during the IFDA Partners Executive Forum in Orlando, Fla. 

“Each year, we survey the IFDA distributor membership and ask them to rate the effectiveness and performance of manufacturers that participate in the IFDA Partners Program,” stated IFDA Chairman Mac Sullivan, president & CEO of Pate Dawson Company, during the award presentation. “Our goal in presenting this award is to recognize exceptional manufacturer performance in working with their distributor customers.”

In accepting the award, Bernard Leonard, group vice president, food service for Tyson Food Service Group, discussed the challenging economy and the importance of distributors and manufacturers working together to drive costs out of the system and to find solutions to support operator customers.

“At Tyson Foods we are very committed to the success of our distributor partners and your customers,” said Leonard. “On behalf of Tyson Foods I want to thank you all so much for the continued recognition that you have given us.”

Along with Tyson Food Service Group, which received the highest score in the survey, IFDA also recognized McCain Foods USA and Ventura Foods LLC. McCain Foods placed second in the survey and received their two highest marks in effectively conveying product information and in communicating advertising and promotional information. Ventura Foods, which placed third, was most highly noted for effectively conveying product information and being readily available to handle account issues.

For the 2009 survey, 45 suppliers were rated on their effectiveness in the following key business areas:

-- Conveying product information,
-- Working with the distributor sales force,
-- Quality of sales training material,
-- Communicating advertising and promotional information
-- Availability of company representatives for handling account issues.

IFDA said it presented the award at the 2010 IFDA Partners Executive Forum, a top-to-top conference where top executives from foodservice distributor and manufacturer companies hold meetings to discuss goals and strategies for business growth.