CASTLE ROCK, CO — Whole Foods Market named Integrated Management Information, Inc. (IMI Global) the winner of its Quality Assurance Award in the grocer's inaugural Supplier Awards. Whole Foods Market launched the awards to spotlight natural and organic vendors who best embody the grocer's mission and core values.
IMI Global was one of only 17 companies to receive a Supplier Award from the natural and organic retailer. Awardees were carefully selected by Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts who work side-by-side with hundreds of national suppliers to bring products to market.
"We are honored to receive this award from Whole Foods Market," said Leann Saunders, president of IMI Global. "We value our working relationship with Whole Foods and work hard to meet their high standards."
IMI Global was honored in the Quality Assurance category for playing a crucial role in the launch and continued success of the Global Animal Partnership's (GAP) 5-Step program at Whole Foods Market. IMI Global is an approved third-party auditor for Whole Foods Market and performs operational audits on cattle, pig, chicken and turkey suppliers.
"We launched these awards to honor partners like IMI Global who not only exemplify our core values, but who also demonstrate true commitment to growing with Whole Foods Market," said Edmund LaMacchia, global vice-president of procurement, perishables. "We're always challenging our suppliers to deliver superior quality products. Their eagerness to innovate makes these suppliers true partners in defining Whole Foods Market's mission. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments.
In addition to the Quality Assurance Award, Whole Foods Market recognized the cream-of-the-crop supplier partners in nine other categories: Top Supplier of the Year, Best in Class, Best New Product, Cheese, Environmental, Special Achievement, Innovation, Wine and the company's ethical sourcing program, Whole Trade(R) Guarantee.
All of Whole Foods Market's Supplier Award winners were announced at this week's awards dinner in Austin, Texas at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel.
About IMI Global Integrated Management Information, Inc. (d.b.a. IMI Global) is America's leading provider of third-party identification, verification and traceability solutions for the livestock and agricultural industries. The Company supports more than 6,000 ranchers, feed yards, meatpackers, food retailers and restaurants with a wide range of solutions, including its USVerified(TM) brand — the industry standard for USDA Process Verified (PVP) programs — which annually verifies marketing claims for approximately one half of all U.S. beef exports; and Where Food Comes From(R), a unique retail and restaurant labeling program that connects consumers directly to the source of the food they purchase. Go to www.IMIGlobal.com and www.wherefoodcomesfrom.com for additional information.
Source: IMI Global Integrated Management Information, Inc.
