As dining out evolved in 2021, distributors guided restaurants on the journey. They rooted their focus on the finest beef cuts, customer service and labor-saving items to help chefs balance their time and talents in the kitchen.

Certified Angus Beef recognized distributors for product quality, marketing and sales. Award recipients were named Sept. 22 as part of the brand’s annual conference, held virtually this year.

“Our foodservice distributors have a passion for what they do and it shows in their focus on delivering the finest beef,” Sara Scott, Certified Angus Beef vice president of foodservice, says. “Though they continue to journey through market and labor challenges beyond their control, they are pushing forward. Each step points to a brighter future.”

The following companies were recognized:

Sierra Meat & Seafood, Reno, Nev., was recognized for Foodservice Dedication to Excellence. The Sierra team takes a comprehensive approach to delivering the finest beef and consulting chefs with menu solutions. Extensive training with meat cuts furthered the team’s skills throughout the year, as they supported chefs with carryout and flavorful menu options, like Flocchini Family sausages.

PERFORMANCE Foodservice-Middendorf, Saint Louis, Mo., earned Broadline Distributor Marketer of the Year. In-depth training advanced the team’s beef knowledge and encouraged conversations with chefs. As the company celebrated 35 years of offering the brand, monthly steak promotions with menu ideas and marketing tips delivered more solutions.

Gordon Food Service Canada, based in Wyoming, Mich., received the Commitment to Integrity and International Distributor Marketer of the Year awards. In addition to helping restaurants with beef menu solutions, the distributor offered trainings for staff to understand beef quality and deliver menu solutions, targeted monthly digital promotions, carryout tips and time-saving meal options to chefs and restaurateurs.

Lombardi Brothers Meats, Denver, was named the Specialty Meat Company Marketer of the Year. The distributor refreshed its website centered on the brand and introduced local farm families in promotions. A new culinary center and retail store engaged chefs and shoppers, helping to mark the company’s 35 years of offering the best beef.

Lone Star Meats, Austin, Texas, received Foodservice Brand Extension Marketer of the Year. Lone Star excels at working with chefs to serve Certified Angus Beef ® Prime and Certified Angus Beef ® Natural cuts. The distributor offers a wide selection of steaks and more items to satisfy their menu needs.

Sysco North Florida received Foodservice Value-added Products Marketer of the Year. The trio of distributors in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa promoted and introduced several beef items that help chefs keep flavorful beef on the menu while saving time and labor in the kitchen.

Grill House by Sigma, based in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, received Foodservice Ecommerce Marketer of the Year. The company ensured product quality and customer satisfaction from click to delivery. A loyalty program and bold graphics on the Grillhouse App and website encouraged repeat purchases

 

Additionally, these retailers and distributors were recognized for leading Certified Angus Beef ® product sales:

  • Sysco – Houston – Top Sales Volume Extra Large Broadline Distributor
  • Sysco Montana, Billings – Top Sales Volume Large Broadline Distributor
  • US Foods – Knoxville, Alcoa, Tenn., Top Sales Volume Medium Broadline Distributor
  • Palmer Food Services, Rochester, N.Y. – Top Sales Volume Small Broadline Distributor
  • Macgregors Meat & Seafood, Toronto – Top Sales Volume Independent Specialty Meat Company
  • S Foods Inc., Nishinomiya City, Japan – Top Sales Volume Corporately Owned Specialty Meat Company

 

Who is Certified Angus Beef?

The original Angus beef brand. Based in Wooster, Ohio, and owned by family farmers and ranchers, we’re more than just Angus beef. Only the very best makes our cut. We set strict standards to certify every bite is tender, juicy and full of flavor, whether you’re cooking at home or dining at the best steakhouse. It’s why we’re the world’s most trusted beef brand and have been since 1978. For more information, visit CertifiedAngusBeef.com, follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn, or join the brand’s Steakholder Rewards™ loyalty program.