Itzke River Farm Ltd., from St. François Xavier, Man. has received Loblaw Companies Limited’s Vendor Development Partnership Award for its leadership within the produce industry for food safety, quality, corporate social responsibility and excellence in customer service. The award was presented at Loblaw’s annual assembly of local growers held in Calgary.

Itzke River Farm Ltd. has been a premium partner of Loblaw for more than 25 years and a proud grower of the highest-quality vegetables. The second- and third-generation family-owned and -operated farm has been in the business for nearly 60 years. Itzke River Farm focuses on growing lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet corn and celery. The family-farm operation has developed into one of the largest and most technologically advanced family produce operations in Western Canada.

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“We are proud of the relationships we have built with local farmers and producers, and this annual event gives us the opportunity to review our business results, discuss industry trends that impact the local growing community and engage in strategic planning for the coming season,” said Frank Pagliaro, vice-president, produce procurement, Loblaw.

Vendor Development Partnership Award selection criteria include food safety certification, quality, innovation, farm conditions, corporate social responsibility, making a positive difference in their community, excellence in customer service and building a strong strategic and collaborative partnership.