Whole Foods Market recognized Agritalia as a winner of the grocer’s ninth-annual Supplier Awards, taking home the honor of Supplier of the Year with Special Recognition. This year’s Whole Foods Market Supplier Awards recognized 42 companies that raised the bar.

“The entire team of Agritalia, along with the colleagues from Agrilogistica and Agrusa, is sincerely grateful to have been honored with such reward, a testament to the dedication, commitment, and passion that define our job. Whole Foods Market has set the standard for quality, innovation, and excellence in the retail industry, and we are proud to have been able to give our contribution in delivering their mission to nourish people and the planet”.

Agritalia, the three-time winner of the award in 2011, 2019, and 2020, has been conferred with the Special Recognition among “the companies that go above and beyond in helping Whole Foods Market grow and drive business as well as inspire and delight customers”.  Agritalia has extensive expertise in selecting and providing the finest products picked from the assortment of over 100 certified suppliers located across Italy and the European Union, to be able to consistently maintain the rigorous quality standards required by Whole Foods Market.

Awards and recipients for 2020:

Supplier of the Year

Supplier of the Year is awarded to Whole Foods Market suppliers who rise to the top in overall excellence.

Global winners: Kvaroy Arctic (Perishables Supplier of the Year), FOODMatch (Culinary Supplier of the Year), Solely (Center Store Supplier of the Year)

Regional winners: Rainforest Distribution (Mid-Atlantic), NAPI (Navajo Agricultural Products Industry)/Navajo Pride Organics (Rocky Mountain), Nana Joes Granola (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), The Gluten Free Bakery (United Kingdom)

Special Recognition is awarded to suppliers that go above and beyond in helping Whole Foods Market grow and drive business as well as inspire and delight customers.

Global winners: Great Range Bison, Mastronardi, Diageo, Pact Apparel, Pastry Star, Kettle Cuisine, 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: Milk Bar, Greenbar Distillery, Yonges Island Fish Company

Quality and Innovation

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. This year’s recipients have displayed innovative manufacturing or agricultural techniques.

Global winners: LaBelle Patrimoine Heritage Chickens, Alaska Glacier Seafoods, Sun Pacific, Bianco DiNapoli, New Yorker Bagels, MegaFood

The recognition of Outstanding Innovation is awarded to suppliers leading disruptive innovation, positioned boldly at the forefront of industry trends.

Global winner: Primal Kitchen

Supply Chain Support recognizes suppliers that find creative solutions to logistical challenges and prioritize Whole Foods Market’s customer demand.

Global winners: Rao’s, Applegate Farms, Emmi Roth

Purpose and Core Values

Environmental Stewardship is awarded to suppliers who have established environmentally conscious business methods and models, such as reducing carbon footprint and incorporating ecofriendly packaging.

Global winner: GoMacro

Brands aligned with Whole Foods Market’s core value to care for our communities receive the Purpose Driven Empowerment recognition.

Global winners: Bloomia, Subject to Change Wine Co., 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.

Global winners: Atkins Ranch, Alexandre Family Farms

Key suppliers who support and share Whole Foods Market business initiatives and win-win-win outcomes are awarded the Service and Partnership recognition.

Global winner: Taylor Farms