United Grocers Inc. (UGI) recognized grocery industry suppliers during its 2020 UGI Supplier Awards Gala which, for the first time, was held virtually.

Here are the winners:

Best Grocery Supplier:                                     Nestlé Canada Inc.

Darcy Bristol, vice president of customer development, Nestlé Canada, with host Kate Beirness, TSN sportscaster, Founder of Her Mark, accepts the best grocery supplier award on behalf of the company.

Best Innovation Program:                                PepsiCo/Frito Lay Canada

Mike Lust, vice president, customer development, PepsiCo Canada, accepting the award for best innovation program.

Best Fresh Department Supplier:                    Maple Leaf Foods

John Tobin, general manager and vice president, RKA/Retail Field Sales for Maple Leaf Foods, accepts the UGI award

Best Equipment and Services Supplier:         Hussmann Canada Inc.

Ashley Fuller, Canadian sales manager, Hussmann, accepts the UGI award for best equipment and services supplier.

Best Private Label Supplier:                            Sager Food Products Inc.

Tony Sata, president of Sager Food Products, accepts the UGI award for best private label supplier

Exceptional Retailer Service:                          Kraft Heinz Canada

Kraft Heinz, received the exceptional retail service award.

More than 250 participants joined the virtual event, which included a “mix and mingle” and the awards presentation.

During the event, UGI and industry members paid a special tribute to UGI's past president Denis Gendron, who retired earlier this year. 

Save-On-Foods' Jamie Nelson led a toast for Denis Gendron, right.