UNFI Unveils Supplier Circle of Excellence Winners

July 30, 2025           5 minute read

UNFI hosted its 2025 Holiday & Winter Selling Show - East at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, Conn. At the event, thousands of suppliers, retailers, and UNFI associates came together to discover new products, build relationships, and learn more about all the ways UNFI helps partners accelerate growth.

A key highlight of the show was UNFI’s Supplier Circle of Excellence Awards, now in its second year. These awards celebrate suppliers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and are setting new standards for the industry. From rising talent to longstanding excellence, these suppliers are shaping the future of the grocery industry through their achievements in brand performance, category leadership, product innovation, and more.

This year, 31 supplier brand partners were recognized for their contributions across 15 unique categories, including separate classifications for emerging and established suppliers. 

Suppliers were evaluated based on sustained business performance showcasing loyalty, growth, and a competitive advantage, as well as impact and a commitment to support communities, the planet, and more.

Three winners were named in Supplier of the Year categories.

• Impact Supplier of the Year – Chobani
• Broad Market Supplier of the Year – Loisa
• Supplier of the Year – The Hershey Company

Below is the full list of winners. 

Beverages

Established Supplier Winner – Rishi Tea & Botanicals

Emerging Supplier Winner – Hiyo

Breakfast & Cereal

Established Supplier Winner – WK Kellogg Co

Emerging Supplier Winner – Lovebird Cereal

Candy & General Merchandising

Established Supplier Winner – Handi-foil

Emerging Supplier Winner – Birdie & Louie

Canned & Dry Goods

Established Supplier Winner – The Campbell’s Company

Emerging Supplier Winner – immi

Condiments & Sauces

Established Supplier Winner – Chosen Foods

Emerging Supplier Winner – Ya Oaxaca

Dairy

Established Supplier Winner – Lactalis Heritage Dairy

Deli / Bakery

Established Supplier Winner – BelGioioso Cheese

Emerging Supplier Winner – MJAY'S Specialty Baked Foods

Frozen Foods

Established Supplier Winner – Nestlé USA

Emerging Supplier Winner – Wow Bao

Health & Beauty

Established Supplier Winner – Bayer

Emerging Supplier Winner – Andre Prost Inc.

International & Specialty

Established Supplier Winner – Jovial Foods Inc.

Meat & Seafood

Established Supplier Winner – Carl Buddig & Company

Emerging Supplier Winner – Kevin’s Natural Foods

Plant Based

Established Supplier Winner – Refresh

Emerging Supplier Winner – Lentiful

Produce & Floral

Established Supplier Winner – Mission Produce, Inc.

Emerging Supplier Winner – Exp. Group, LLC

Prepared & Packaged Foods

Established Supplier Winner – Blount Fine Foods

Emerging Supplier Winner – Mama Mancini’s

Snacks

Established Supplier Winner – Garza (Siete Foods)

Emerging Supplier Winner – Popadelics

 

Learn more about the Circle of Excellence Awards and check out past winners.