International Dairy Queen Honors 2026 Vendor of the Year Winners
International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), a leading organization in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry and the franchisor behind DQ® restaurants, has announced the winners of its 2026 Vendor of the Year awards. The annual recognition program highlights supplier and distribution partners whose service, reliability and commitment have made a meaningful contribution to the DQ system and its network of independent franchise owners across the United States and Canada.
The awards recognize vendors that play an important role in helping DQ restaurants maintain consistent operations and deliver the products, services and guest experiences expected by franchise owners and customers. From food and beverage suppliers to equipment providers and distributors, these business partners support various aspects of restaurant operations throughout the DQ network.
DQ leadership presented the 2026 awards during the DQ Supply Chain Summit 2026, held Wednesday, September 16, at the Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The summit brought together representatives involved in the DQ supply chain to recognize achievements and strengthen relationships among IDQ, franchise owners and their vendor partners.
U.S. Vendors Recognized for Outstanding Service
Three vendors serving DQ restaurants in the United States were selected for 2026 Vendor of the Year honors. The recipients were recognized for their contributions across distribution, restaurant equipment and purchasing.
U.S. Distributor of the Year – McLane – Orlando, Florida
McLane was named the 2026 U.S. Distributor of the Year. The company provides distribution services to DQ restaurants in Florida and has supported IDQ and DQ franchise owners for 10 years.
As a distributor, McLane plays an important role in helping restaurants receive the supplies they need to maintain day-to-day operations. Consistent distribution services are particularly important to a large restaurant network, where franchise locations depend on dependable deliveries and coordinated supply chain operations.
U.S. Equipment Vendor of the Year – N. Wasserstrom – Columbus, Ohio
N. Wasserstrom received the U.S. Equipment Vendor of the Year award. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the company supplies kitchen equipment to DQ restaurants throughout the United States.
N. Wasserstrom has maintained a relationship with IDQ and DQ franchise owners for 22 years. Its long-standing partnership reflects the importance of reliable restaurant equipment in supporting efficient operations, maintenance and the ongoing needs of DQ locations.
U.S. Purchasing Vendor of the Year – The Coca-Cola Company – Atlanta, Georgia
The Coca-Cola Company was selected as the 2026 U.S. Purchasing Vendor of the Year. The Atlanta-based beverage company supplies a range of products to DQ restaurants in the United States, including carbonated soft drinks, lemonades, orange juice and yogurt.
The Coca-Cola Company has served IDQ and DQ franchise owners for 59 years, making it one of the longest-standing vendor relationships recognized through this year’s awards. Its products form part of the beverage and food offerings available across the DQ restaurant system.
Canadian Vendors Receive 2026 Honors
IDQ also recognized three Canadian vendors for their contributions to the DQ system. The awards were presented in collaboration with CDQ CO-OP LTD., the supply chain organization serving DQ restaurants in Canada.
The Canadian awards recognize suppliers and distributors that have demonstrated strong service to IDQ, CDQ CO-OP and DQ franchise owners during 2026.
Canada Dairy Vendor of the Year – Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP – Edmonton, Alberta
Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP was named Canada Dairy Vendor of the Year. The company supplies soft serve mix to DQ restaurants in Alberta and has maintained its relationship with IDQ, CDQ CO-OP and DQ franchise owners for 37 years.
The supply of soft serve mix is particularly relevant to the DQ restaurant system, given the brand’s long-standing association with soft serve products and frozen treats. Saputo’s multi-decade relationship reflects its continued role as a supplier within the Canadian DQ network.
Canada Distributor of the Year – Gordon Food Service – Edmonton, Alberta Warehouse
Gordon Food Service received the Canada Distributor of the Year award. Through its Edmonton, Alberta warehouse, the company provides distribution services to DQ restaurants in northern Alberta.
Gordon Food Service has served IDQ, CDQ CO-OP and DQ franchise owners for 18 years. Its distribution activities support restaurants in the region by helping maintain the flow of supplies necessary for regular operations.
Canada Purchasing Vendor of the Year – Grand River Foods – Cambridge, Ontario
Grand River Foods was recognized as the Canada Purchasing Vendor of the Year. Based in Cambridge, Ontario, the company supplies chicken strips to DQ restaurants in eastern Canada.
Grand River Foods has been serving IDQ, CDQ CO-OP and DQ franchise owners for five years. Its recognition highlights the company’s contribution as a food supplier within the Canadian DQ restaurant network.
Vendor Relationships Support DQ’s Restaurant Network
Dan Kropp, chief supply chain and development officer at International Dairy Queen, emphasized the importance of supplier and distributor partnerships to the broader DQ system.
“Success across the DQ system depends on strong, trusted supplier and distributor relationships that deliver on the experiences our franchise owners and fans expect in DQ restaurants,” Kropp said.
He added that the 2026 honorees have consistently provided products, equipment and distribution services that support the DQ system’s growth, while expressing appreciation for their ongoing partnerships.
The Vendor of the Year awards highlight how restaurant brands rely on a broad network of business partners to support franchise operations. For DQ, these relationships span multiple categories, including food ingredients, beverages, restaurant equipment, purchasing and distribution.
The recognition also reflects the long-term nature of many of DQ’s supplier relationships. Several of this year’s award recipients have worked with IDQ and its franchise owners for decades. The Coca-Cola Company has supported the DQ system for 59 years, while Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP has maintained its relationship for 37 years and N. Wasserstrom for 22 years.
Other award recipients also bring significant experience to the DQ supply chain. Gordon Food Service has worked with IDQ, CDQ CO-OP and franchise owners for 18 years, while McLane has provided services to the DQ system for 10 years. Grand River Foods has been part of the Canadian DQ supply network for five years.
Together, the 2026 Vendor of the Year recipients represent key areas of the DQ supply chain in both the United States and Canada. Their contributions range from supplying food and beverage products to providing equipment and managing distribution services for restaurants.
The awards presented at the DQ Supply Chain Summit 2026 provide an opportunity for IDQ and its franchise network to recognize these partners and their role in supporting restaurant operations. As DQ continues working with independent franchise owners across North America, supplier and distributor relationships remain an important part of maintaining the infrastructure needed to operate its restaurants and serve customers.
The 2026 honorees are McLane, N. Wasserstrom and The Coca-Cola Company in the United States, along with Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP, Gordon Food Service and Grand River Foods in Canada. Their recognition underscores the range of partners involved in supporting DQ restaurants and the importance of collaboration across the brand’s supply chain.
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