Dawn Foods Recognizes Ardent Mills and D’Bazo as 2023 Vendors of the Year

Jackson, Michigan – Global bakery manufacturer and ingredients supplier Dawn Foods, through its Dawn Distribution Advantage (DDA) network, is proud to announce Ardent Mills and D’Bazo as its North America vendors of the year for 2023.

The DDA is a customer-focused buying cooperative consisting of Dawn Foods’ distribution centers and independent distributor partners. Each year, the DDA recognizes vendors that deliver growth and provide outstanding partnership for bakery customers across the region.

D’Bazo, a valued Dawn partner since 2000, is recognized for its outstanding partnership and premium Dulce de Leche product that has not only impressed customers in the artisanal and retail bakery channel but is also making waves in the foodservice and supermarket channels.

The family-owned business continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to providing its customers with an incredible product to help them grow their business.

“D’Bazo is an exceptional partner that continues to impress with their commitment to reliability and operational excellence,” said Paul Caske Vice President National Technical Sales – Chairman of the Board, DDA. “Delia and team have worked diligently to ensure all of our orders arrive on time and in full, a true testament to their professionalism and partnership.”

“This award is the result of teamwork with Dawn Foods, and we are thankful to be recognized with this achievement,” said Delia Bazo, Owner, D’Bazo. “Our partnership with Dawn provides us with the leadership and success needed to help deliver for our mutual clients in the United States. Having premium products is not enough without the support of an outstanding group of people getting involved at all levels; from the production process all the way to the end consumer. We cannot thank Dawn Foods enough for the opportunity they provide us year after year in successfully reaching our goals.”

Ardent Mills, a partner of Dawn Foods for over 25 years, is recognized as Vendor of the Year for its commitment to continuous improvement and partnership.

Throughout 2023, Ardent Mills continued to increase efficiencies in their facilities and optimize their network. Additionally, the company’s commitment to product expertise remained evident through comprehensive product trainings and selling materials to aid bakers in the selection of the best flour for their applications.

“Ardent Mills generously provides technical training for our customers and commercial team to ensure everyone throughout the supply chain is equipped with the skills and insights needed for success,” continued Caske. “Whether fielding questions from customers or guiding us through a comprehensive new crop transition process, their support has been instrumental in ensuring that our mixes maintain consistent performance and our customers have everything they need to be successful.”

“Without a doubt, Dawn is a valued and trusted partner. On behalf of the 17 mills that stand shoulder to shoulder with Dawn and every dedicated Ardent Mills team member who is devoted to serving Dawn, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this recognition. We look forward to elevating our partnership in the years that lie ahead,” said Dan Dye, Chief Executive Officer of Ardent Mills.

Ardent Mills and D’Bazo were also recognized as Vendor of the Year award winners in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

ABOUT DAWN FOOD PRODUCTS, INC. Global bakery manufacturer and ingredients supplier Dawn Foods has established itself as the premier bakery service provider, inspiring bakery success every day. Committed to delighting its customers around the world, Dawn Foods delivers the partnership, insights, innovations, products, and bakery expertise that empowers them to achieve their aspirations. Headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, Dawn Foods partners with more than 50,000 artisanal and retail bakers, food service leaders and manufacturers located in more than 100 countries and has 3,800 Team Members globally. Since 1920, Dawn Foods has been a trusted advisor to its customers, helping drive their business forward. For more information about the company, its products and culture, please visit www.dawnfoods.com

ABOUT ARDENT MILLS Ardent Mills is committed to transforming how the world is nourished. As the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, we cultivate the future of plant-based solutions to help our customers and communities thrive. We operate in more than 40 locations that specialize in flour, quinoa, pulses, and organic and gluten-free products that drive emerging nutrition and innovation across plant-based ingredients. Our holistic portfolio empowers us to meet the complex needs of customers today while focusing on the growing needs of tomorrow’s consumer. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, we operate in Canada, the US and Puerto Rico with company headquarters in Denver, Colorado. We employ more than 100 certified millers and support thousands of local jobs that contribute billions of dollars to local economies – helping our people, our customers, and families everywhere flourish. To learn more about our mission and our solutions, visit ardentmills.com.

ABOUT D’BAZO, LLC.

D’Bazo has been a family-owned business based in Peru since 1924. The company started with cattle in the Andes mountains and then went on to manufacture dairy products such as butter, cheeses, chocolate fudge, dulce de leche, heavy cream, yogurt.