JACKSON, MICHIGAN, US — Dawn Foods named Ardent Mills and Coco Bakery as its North American vendors of the year for 2021.

The recognition comes through its Dawn Distribution Advantage (DDA) network, which is a cooperative of the company’s distribution centers and independent distributor partners. Each year it recognizes vendors that deliver growth and provide partnership for bakery customers.

Ardent Mills was selected for its commitment to quality, innovation, and partnership, DDA said. During a year of continued disruption throughout the supply chain, Ardent Mills provided everything Dawn and the DDA needed to deliver consistent, high-quality flour, and solutions to customers. From providing daily market pricing updates and supporting technical teams across the country, to working with quality teams on crop transitions and logistics, Ardent Mills delivered on its vision to nurture its customers, consumers, and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions, DDA said.  

“Ardent Mills’ commitment to providing high-quality products, customer service, and innovation has been incredible for Dawn and our DDA partners,” said Paul Caske, DDA chairman of the board and vice president of national technical sales at Dawn Foods. “During another challenging year for the industry, they helped keep our plants running in critical times of supply constraints on flour. Ardent Mills is always willing to go the extra mile to support their customers, and we are proud to recognize them as a vendor of the year.”

Angie Miller, vice president of sales at Ardent Mills, added, “We take pride in being true partners and collaborators, creating products, services, and tailored solutions to help support our customers’ evolving needs. We are humbled to be recognized for delivering on our vision of being the trusted partner and serving our valued, longtime partner, Dawn Foods.”