Ferrara, a company related to The Ferrero Group, and an emerging powerhouse in the North American confections and sweet snacking categories virtually convened its top suppliers and internal partners to recognize their contributions in 2020.
Along with its suppliers, the event celebrated its cross-functional partners, and procurement team members to celebrate work aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and values and recognize collective contributions during this unique year.
It’s the seventh consecutive year Ferrara has held the awards ceremony, and this year was its first virtual one.
Ahmet Hepdogan, Vice President of Procurement for Ferrara, thanked the group for demonstrated category leadership, subject matter expertise, and excellence in living the company values and helping Ferrara make progress toward its mission, vision and values.
“I’m proud of the work we did together in this unique year to deliver for our retail customers and keep our people safe,” he said.
Ferrara’s Chief Operations Officer, Mike Murray, told suppliers: “This year has demonstrated our collective commitment to share delight in every bite for consumers, while operating safely during a global pandemic.”
Murray received the ‘Heroes and Heroism Award’ at the event, noting his leadership and relentless commitment to manufacturing and operations while also ensuring quality and safety throughout the year.
Companies recognized at the event included:
• Liberty Packaging, Bunge, Canel’s, SGS Graphics, Bryce Packaging, and Softtek
• Barry Callebaut received the Corporate Responsibility Award for its work to provide sustainable, high quality cocoa products to Ferrara
• Kua Candy was named 2020 Supplier of the Year for its partnership in innovation, agility, and openness to share new ideas.
Ferrara also gave Lifetime Achievement Awards to Nadi Soltan of Biscomerica and Don O’Malley of Formel Industries. Each has been a longstanding partner and positive leader, consistently demonstrating the company’s values in action.
CP Flex received a special award to acknowledge their response during COVID-19 to provide enhanced graphics on reseal packaging for many of the popular Keebler branded cookies.