ORLANDO, FLA. Darden Restaurants Inc. has honored 10 purveyors with its annual William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier Awards. —
The awards, which are named for the company’s founder, acknowledge those suppliers that go “above and beyond” to contribute to Darden’s success. Chosen from more than 1,500 suppliers, the following winners were selected by Darden’s culinary, purchasing, total quality and marketing teams: —
King & Prince Seafood, for development of value-added seafood and shrimp products — Kontos Foods Inc., for helping Seasons 52 design its pita wrap, and for developing a lower-calorie, cost-effective flat bread — Libbey Inc., for working with Red Lobster in the design and roll-out of new plateware and flatware — Lotito Foods Inc., for creating an innovative new cheese product at a lower cost and sponsoring trips to Italy — Monin Gourmet Flavorings Inc., for working with Olive Garden to develop its new beverage menu — Nestlé Professional, for helping Red Lobster and Olive Garden develop new sauces and providing research and consumer insight — Pilgrim’s Pride, for new product development with Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 — Ragozzino Foods Inc., for helping Olive Garden develop the popular lasagna “rollatini” product — Trinchero Family Estates, for helping develop a new sangria wine for Red Lobster — Tuna Temple Inc. for providing Darden brands with top-quality, cost-effective tuna while ensuring food safety —
“These companies have gone beyond the execution level and been true business partners by finding ways to contribute to Darden’s success through innovation and collaboration,” said Barry Moullet, senior vice president of supply chain for Darden. —
