IFDA Names Major Products 2018 Partner Of The Year

MCLEAN, Va.  — The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) recently announced that Major Products was named the 2018 IFDA Partner of the Year. The announcement, made at the opening reception of the 2018 IFDA Partners Executive Forum, marks the second year in a row that Major Products has received this distinction. Major Products received the highest cumulative score in an annual survey conducted with IFDA distributor members.

"We are thrilled to recognize and honor Major Products and top-performing manufacturers who work closely with distributor trading partners to meet the needs of operator customers," said Mark Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. "The 2018 Partner of the Year Award celebrates our manufacturer partners and their continued dedication to providing incredible products and working collaboratively with IFDA members."

In the survey, IFDA members rate foodservice manufacturer efforts on collaboration, product innovation, sales and marketing support, and other issues critical to the success of distributors.

"On behalf of the team at Major Products, we are once again tremendously honored and humbled to be recognized for our efforts by the membership of IFDA," said Dan DeRose, President of Major Products.  "When we returned to our office following last year's IFDA Partners Executive Forum, at the top of our project whiteboard was written 'Avoid Complacency'.  Our team took that advice to heart, to continue working hard and not assume customer relationships can survive on auto pilot.  To thrive, we must engage our customers and work collaboratively towards mutual success."

Top 5 Overall Survey Results of IFDA Members

1

 Major Products

2

 Sugar Foods Corporation

3

 Plymouth Beef Company

4

 McCain Foods, Inc.

5

 Ventura Foods


"It's a privilege to receive this award for the second time.  This year is special because it is a true testament to the continuity our team has established," said Valerie Leimer, COO at Major Products. "The principles upon which this award is founded are built into the fabric of the Major culture and way of operating.  It feels rewarding to know that our partners sense a continuity in our team, and we look forward to providing the same high standard of partnership with our distributors going forward."

"For our customers to recognize Major Products alongside the best and other well-deserving recipients in the supplier community is truly amazing and an absolute honor," said Scott Smolar, VP of Sales and Marketing.  "This award will be shared with each department within our organization for the customer-centric approach they exhibit every day."

To learn more about IFDA and the foodservice distribution industry, visit www.ifdaonline.org. For media inquiries, contact Meghan Cieslak, mcieslak@ifdaonline.org / 703.532.9950.

About International Foodservice Distributors Association
IFDA Members represent the $300 billion foodservice distribution industry. IFDA members deliver to professional kitchens across America, and other places around the world. Our members supply food and related products to restaurants, colleges and universities, hospitals and care facilities, hotels and resorts, and other foodservice operations. Our members operate more than 800 facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and around the world.

Source:  International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA)