Chr. Hansen selected Supplier of the year

Tyson Foods, the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, selects Chr. Hansen as 2007 Ingredient Supplier of the year.

US-based Tyson Foods, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 index, has awarded Chr. Hansen as their 2007 Ingredient Supplier of the Year. Chr. Hansen has been supporting Tyson with flavor products for a number of years but it is the first time that Chr. Hansen has achieved this nomination by Tyson.

Awarded for strong overall performance

Chr. Hansen was selected for its overall performance to Tyson. Truly benefiting from each others’ expertise in the ongoing innovation process the two companies’ partnership goes back many years.

Don Stetzenbach, Key Account Manager, Chr. Hansen, explains: “Chr. Hansen limited quality failures, improved our upper management and sales focus, improved our quality of inventory planning, and added dedicated resources within culinary and applications to help service the needs of Tyson."

"Our delivery performance was close to perfect in 2007 and through identified cost savings and avoidance projects we helped Tyson save against market impacts based on the current level of business. Additionally, we supported the Tyson plants on a number of issues involving crisis management and sustainability.”

“Can do” attitude

Don Stetzenbach feels confident that Tyson has noticed and appreciates the intangibles as well: “the times when a "can do" attitude makes things happen. They have acknowledged the working business plan, customer focus, and that our open relationship has created a successful business model,” says Stetzenbach. “During the past year, I have witnessed a collective effort that is truly second to none. Not only have I recognized these efforts, so has Tyson. I feel proud and honoured that we have now reached this significant milestone,” he concludes.

“We should all be proud of this award,” says Steen Loendal, Executive Vice President, Flavors, “It is a milestone which proves that the key account approach has been the right path to choose. I consider this nomination a pay off for the right strategy and for an excellent job by the Tyson team.”


There are both qualitative and quantitative components to Tyson’s selection. Tyson surveys all existing, preferred suppliers rating them on quality, costs savings or avoidance, whether they support minority based enterprises, delivery performance, technical service and support, R&D support, and lastly sustainability. They also survey key Tyson plant locations for feedback on quality of service.