Sustainability in the Food Industry Award

Welcome to the inaugural Sustainability in the Food Industry Award, presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report. This program celebrates outstanding efforts in sustainable practices across the food industry. We invite retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, industry associations, and others allied to the field to showcase initiatives that reduce environmental impact, support communities, and drive positive change in how we grow, package, and deliver food. In an inspiring spirit, this award highlights innovators who are leading the way toward a greener future in food retail, production, and distribution. We recognize sustainability leadership across all business sectors. Below are some examples of award-winning practices:

Sustainability Awards

Retailer Initiatives

Grocery retailers or supermarkets might focus on reducing food waste, implementing energy-efficient store designs, eco-friendly packaging reductions, or community recycling and composting programs. Retailers who have launched impactful green initiatives that improve environmental outcomes and inspire shoppers should enter a nomination for the sustainability award.

Vendor & Supply Chain Innovations

Vendors, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, or brands for product and supply-chain sustainability. Companies that introduce innovative solutions such as sustainable product ingredients, biodegradable or reduced packaging, carbon-neutral distribution models, or water- and energy-saving production processes. Organizations whose innovations help make the entire food supply chain more sustainable—from farm to shelf should enter a nomination.

Sustainable Workforce

Companies that invest in their people as part of their sustainability mission and cultivate a sustainable workforce—with employee training in sustainability practices, programs that improve worker health and well-being, or community education. Whether it’s a retailer, vendor, distributor, or wholesaler, organizations prioritizing their employees alongside environmental goals should enter a nomination.

Collaborative Impact & Industry Leadership

Trade associations, coalitions, or partnerships that advance sustainability through collective action should enter a nomination. This includes initiatives like implementing industry-wide sustainability standards, cross-sector education programs, advocacy for policy change, or collaborative projects that reduce environmental footprints at scale. Examples include association-led recycling networks, shared sustainability training platforms, or partnerships that address systemic challenges in food production and distribution.

Selected honorees will be featured in a dedicated editorial spotlight within our special ‘Sustainability in the Food Industry’ award issue —prominently showcased in all five regional editions of The Shelby-Griffin Report (October 2025) and highlighted on our website.

“Sustainability is top of mind for many grocery shoppers, and therefore it has become table stakes for the food industry… We continue seeing the food industry invest in programs and technologies that really move the needle.”

Julie Savoie, Senior Director, Workforce, Talent and Sustainability, FMI—The Food Industry Association    

Do you know a company or initiative driving sustainability forward in the food industry?

We want to hear from you! Nominations are open now through September 2, 2025. It’s time to shine a spotlight on those making a difference.

Have any questions?

Stephanie Reid
President and Publisher
678-520-4949
[email protected]