The Sustainability in the Food Industry Award, presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report, 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:

Award Categories & Examples

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.

Vendor & Supply Chain Innovations

Vendors, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, or brands focused on product and supply-chain sustainability. This includes companies introducing innovative solutions such as sustainable product ingredients, biodegradable or reduced packaging, carbon-neutral distribution models, or water- and energy-saving production processes.

Sustainable Workforce

Companies that invest in their people as part of their sustainability mission and cultivate a workforce with employee training in sustainability practices, programs that improve worker health and well-being, or community education.

Collaborative Impact & Industry Leadership

Trade associations, coalitions, or partnerships that advance sustainability through collective action. This includes implementing industry-wide sustainability standards, cross-sector education programs, advocacy for policy change, or collaborative projects that reduce environmental footprints at scale.

Editorial Spotlight: 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) 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

Have any questions?

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