WOOSTER, Ohio – With consumer demand for premium beef growing in all segments, foodservice distributors are keeping their focus on beef for center of the plate. Distributors were honored by the Certified Angus Beef ® brand Sept. 18-20 for offering premium beef cuts and innovative promotions to capture this growing trend. The awards, presented during the brand’s annual conference at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Calif., honored foodservice distributors, chefs, cattle ranchers and retailers for their accomplishments this year and celebrated 35 years of delivering premium beef.
“Dedication, integrity and passion are traits that ensure Certified Angus Beef ® brand quality from farm to table,” says John Stika, the brand’s president. “Distributors, chefs and cattle ranchers within our community have a shared vision for bringing the best to the table every day.”
Foodservice distributors were recognized for marketing, sales and commitment to integrity.
- Palmer Food Services, Rochester, N.Y., Specialty Meat Company Marketer of the Year, offered a “Savor Local” restaurant week campaign with website and television promotions. Educational programs for customers focused on beef as a menu solution.
- US Foods-San Diego, Vista, Calif., Broadline Foodservice Distributor Marketer of the Year, focused on an “inspiration series” of steaks through staff training, the food show and a promotional calendar. A tailgate event offered customers the chance to tour the facility and sample steaks. The comprehensive campaign was selected by peers at the conference to receive a second honor: the People's Choice Award for a broadline distributor.
- Freedman Meats, Houston and Dallas, was the specialty meat company selected by conference attendees to receive a People’s Choice Award for a results-driven sales contest. The three-month promotion encouraged sales staff to reach accounts new to the brand. The top point-earner received a trip to Belize.
- Macgregors Meat & Seafood, Toronto, International Distributor Marketer of the Year, took the sales team to a local Angus cattle ranch for on-site training. A sales contest tied to the ranch visit gained additional sales and assisted with customer outreach.
- Food Services of America-Portland, Woodburn, Ore., Foodservice Brand Extension Marketer of the Year, meets consumer demand through a Naturally Northwest selection of Certified Angus Beef ® brand Natural products. Education is the central focus of the company’s unique approach in the market.
- Sysco Boston, Plympton, Mass., Foodservice Value-added Products Marketer of the Year, features value-added items in the weekly flyer and through sales promotions with brokers. Roast beef and short ribs were top-performing items this year.
- Newport Meat Company, Irvine, Calif., Top Sales Volume Specialty Meat Company, focused on staff and customer education to build sales. Celebrating 30 years as a licensed distributor, the company’s extensive product line includes Certified Angus Beef ® brand Prime, Natural and value-added products.
- Sysco Houston, the Top Sales Volume Broadline Foodservice Distributor, achieved significant gains in value-added product sales. Educational programs for staff also broadened the team’s expertise for serving customers’ premium beef needs.
- Southern Foods Meat & Seafood Solutions, Greensboro, N.C., Commitment to Integrity (foodservice distributor), ensures restaurant customers are a good fit for the brand and focuses on maintaining product integrity throughout the marketplace. The entire team’s communication and leadership continue to build success in this category.
- GFS Montreal, Boucherville, Quebec, Commitment to Integrity (international distributor), works closely with restaurants and offers continual training to strengthen presence in the market. The company helps accounts identify the brand on menus and in promotions.
About the Certified Angus Beef ® brand
More than 16,000 businesses partner with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, generating an estimated $4 billion in consumer sales annually, with retailers and restaurants in the United States and 45 other countries. Introduced in 1978, the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select thanks to 10 strict quality standards. For more information, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter or the www.GoRare.com blog.
Source: Certified Angus Beef ® Brand
