Milwaukee/Madison WI – Old Dutch Foods has been selected as the 2024 Vendor of the Year, one of the Wisconsin Grocers Association’s (WGA) highest honors. The surprise presentation was held Wednesday morning, September 11th at the Bayview Pick n’ Save. Old Dutch Foods was nominated by Ronaldo Moran of Roundy’s Supermarkets.
In the competitive landscape of grocery retail, few vendors manage to achieve the delicate balance of delivering exceptional service while maintaining robust partnerships that benefit both retailers and their customers. Old Dutch Foods, a family-owned company celebrating its 90th anniversary, exemplifies this balance and has rightfully earned the title of “Vendor of the Year.” Their unwavering commitment to excellence, long-standing partnerships, and deep community involvement make them a standout in the industry.
“Old Dutch has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of the grocery industry and the membership of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. Their dedication to quality relationships and partnership with retailers across the state is a key ingredient to their success,” said Mike Semmann President/CEO of the WGA. “Old Dutch’s ability to continuously deliver value and support to our members has earned them the distinction of Vendor of the Year, and it’s a recognition they wholeheartedly deserve. We’re proud to honor them for their contributions to the industry and their unwavering support of Wisconsin’s grocery community.” Bob Jaskolski, President/CEO of T.A. Solberg Co., Inc. And WGA Chairman commented, “Congratulations to Old Dutch on winning the 2024 Vendor of the Year. I appreciate the care and effort that their sales team and regional managers put into ensuring strong relationships with my store managers and key associates.” Old Dutch’s journey to becoming a trusted vendor partner is a testament to their consistent delivery of outstanding service. For over 85 years, Old Dutch has supported the Wisconsin grocery industry, building a reputation for reliability and quality. “At Old Dutch, our shopper’s experience is always top of mind and has been for our 85-year history together,” said Ryan Stretch, Category Manager for Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market. “Through a commitment to fully stocked shelves, enhancing operational efficiency and store-level problem solving – our shoppers know they will find high quality Old Dutch items on each shopping trip.” The company’s commitment to service goes beyond mere transactions. Old Dutch’s “old school” approach to Direct Store Delivery (DSD) sales allows them to maintain a higher service level by delivering and selling exclusively Old Dutch brands. This strategy empowers their store-level sales team to address and resolve retail issues immediately during visits, ensuring that problems are solved on the spot. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters strong relationships with store-level management. A key factor in Old Dutch’s effectiveness is their strong store-level salesperson retention. By maintaining a stable and experienced sales team, Old Dutch fosters deep-rooted partnerships with store managers, ensuring continuity and a shared commitment to excellence. Additionally, their regional managers play a crucial role in this dynamic, being readily available to respond and resolve retailer issues at any time, demonstrating an exceptional level of dedication and support. Beyond their business achievements, Old Dutch’s commitment to community engagement sets them apart as a socially responsible company. Their sponsorship of local events and charitable organizations reflects a deep connection to the communities of the stores they serve. From supporting University of Wisconsin Athletics to donating snacks and funds to local charities like Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South-Central Wisconsin, Old Dutch is deeply invested in the well-being of the community. Old Dutch’s recognition as Vendor of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects their enduring legacy, strategic foresight, and deep-rooted commitment to both business excellence and community service. Their
ability to maintain high standards of quality and service, coupled with their innovative market strategies and community involvement, sets them apart as a leader in the grocery industry. As they celebrate their 90th anniversary, Old Dutch continues to exemplify the values that have made them a trusted partner for Roundy’s and a beloved brand in Wisconsin.
