Thai Union Seafood and Hallvard Leroy AS were among the 11 companies Darden Restaurants presented with its annual William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier awards on Monday.
Thai Union was recognized for consistently providing Red Lobster with high-quality and value-added shrimp, while maintaining a focus on service, innovation, cost and sustainability.
Hallvard Leroy was recognized for its high level of service, collaboration and responsiveness in adjusting its production and marketing processes in order to become a strategic supplier of Norwegian salmon, while also partnering with Darden during a period of extreme global market challenges.
The companies were selected among Darden’s 1,500-plus suppliers worldwide for going “above and beyond” to contribute to the company’s success.
“Serving more than 400 million meals a year in 1,800 restaurants throughout North America requires an enormous amount of teamwork and collaboration,” said Barry Moullet, Darden’s senior VP of supply chain. “These companies have surpassed expectations and been true business partners by finding ways to contribute to Darden’s success through innovative products and results-driven initiatives.”
Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Darden operates Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.