Foodservice distribution giant Sysco Corp., Houston, honored several refrigerated and frozen food processors during Sysco's recent "Super Regional Conference." There, Sysco presented its annual supplier of the year awards. Sysco recognized poultry processor Sanderson Farms, Inc., Laurel, Miss., as Sysco's 2010 Supplier of the Year.

Other refrigerated and frozen food companies earning Sysco Gold Supplier awards were Dean Foods/Morningstar, Dallas; JBS Pork, Greeley, Colo.; National Beef Packing Company, LLC, Kansas City, Mo.; Taylor Farms, Salinas, Calif.; and Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Downers Grove, Ill. Officials said they evaluated recipients from among 2,000 eligible suppliers worldwide. The top 100 were selected based on key business performance metrics with critical evaluation by Sysco's U.S. broadline distribution companies and Sysco's corporate merchandising, sourcing, quality assurance, and supply chain departments.

Sysco said it also announced winner's of Sysco's Seventh Annual Heritage Awards. The Heritage Awards are presented to Sysco's top women- and minority-owned businesses that supply food and foodservice supply products through Sysco. This year's recipients include Bronze Medalist Carla's Pasta, Inc., South Windsor, Conn.