#United States #Fort Worth #Hormel Foods #Ben E. Keith #2026 Supplier of the Year

Hormel Foods Awarded Supplier of the Year by Ben E. Keith Company

On October 5, 2026, the prestigious recognition of Supplier of the Year was awarded to Hormel Foods at the 43rd Annual Supplier Appreciation Day, hosted by Ben E. Keith Foods at the Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. This annual event celebrates excellence among suppliers who have demonstrated outstanding performance in collaboration and service.

Mike Sweet, the president of Ben E. Keith Foods, expressed his appreciation for Hormel Foods, noting, "What stands out about Hormel Foods is the strength of the relationships they build. They invest in our people, collaborate closely with our teams, and share our commitment to helping customers succeed." This reflects not only the operational aspect of Hormel's business practices but also the company’s deeper philosophy centered around partnership and client support.

Hormel Foods earned this esteemed title due to its long-standing collaboration with Ben E. Keith Foods, verifying its ability to provide trusted brands and innovative solutions that enhance customer satisfaction. Hormel’s reputation for delivering consistent value stands as a testament to its integrated approach across the food distribution landscape.

In addition to Hormel Foods' noteworthy accomplishment, the event also highlighted other significant partners in various categories, showcasing a variety of contributions from different sectors within the food industry. Awards were handed out to numerous companies, including:

• - Produce: Lipman Family Farms
• - Dairy: Cheese Merchants
• - Frozen Foods: Rotella's Italian Bakery
• - Center-of-the-Plate Poultry/Seafood: Wayne-Sanderson Farms
• - Center-of-the-Plate Beef/Pork: Hormel Foods
• - Grocery: Colavita
• - Non-Foods: Georgia-Pacific
• - Equipment and Supply: Vollrath
• - Educator of the Year: Handgards
• - Broker of the Year: Hanks Brokerage

These awards not only celebrate supplier achievements but also emphasize the essential partnerships that enable Ben E. Keith Foods to deliver high-quality service across its ten divisions. These partnerships underline the critical role that supplier relationships play in sustaining excellence in the food distribution sector.

Hormel Foods continues to exemplify resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving food industry, consistently seeking innovative ways to meet customer demands while also fostering a network of collaborative relationships. The company’s investment in partnerships and quality service is evident through its accolades, reinforcing its position as a leader in the market.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Ben E. Keith Foods boasts over 120 years of experience in foodservice distribution, maintaining a reputable stature grounded in quality, service, and innovation. To learn more about Ben E. Keith Foods and their extensive offerings, interested parties can visit benekeith.com/food. These milestones mark not only a celebration of achievement but also pave the way for future collaborations that promise further enhancements in the food service arena.