International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), the parent company of the iconic DQ® brand, has once again shone a spotlight on the essential partnerships that keep its global system running smoothly. On September 18, 2025, the company announced the winners of its highly regarded Vendor of the Year Awards during the annual DQ Supply Chain Summit, held at the Hilton Downtown in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The recognition highlights vendors in the United States and Canada who have gone above and beyond in their support of both IDQ and its vast network of independently owned and operated DQ restaurants.
For decades, IDQ has relied on trusted suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers to help maintain the quality and consistency of its products—from the world-famous Blizzard® Treat to its beloved DQ Cakes®. These vendor relationships are critical to ensuring that franchise owners across North America can deliver the same great experience to fans, regardless of location. Each year, IDQ carefully evaluates its partners and selects those who have demonstrated outstanding service, innovation, and commitment to the brand’s mission.
Celebrating Excellence in the U.S.
In the United States, four vendors received the top honors in 2025 across different categories, each representing a cornerstone of DQ’s operations—dairy, distribution, equipment, and purchasing.
- U.S. Dairy Vendor of the Year – Umpqua Dairy (Roseburg, Oregon)
Umpqua Dairy, a trusted name in the dairy industry, was recognized for its decades-long service in supplying soft serve mix to DQ restaurants across the Pacific Northwest. The company has been a partner to IDQ for an impressive 45 years, ensuring a steady and reliable flow of high-quality dairy products to franchise owners in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. - U.S. Distributor of the Year – Avalon Foodservice (Canal Fulton, Ohio)
Distribution is the backbone of any restaurant system, and Avalon Foodservice has played a vital role for nearly half a century. For 46 years, Avalon has ensured DQ operators in the U.S. have dependable access to the products and supplies they need. Its commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and customer service has helped franchise owners meet the daily needs of fans while maintaining operational excellence. - U.S. Equipment Vendor of the Year – Atosa USA (Brea, California)
A relative newcomer compared to some of IDQ’s long-established vendors, Atosa USA has nonetheless made a significant impact in just two years of partnership. Specializing in refrigeration equipment, Atosa supplies critical infrastructure that supports DQ kitchens nationwide. Reliable refrigeration is essential to product quality and food safety, and Atosa has delivered solutions that meet the brand’s rigorous standards. - U.S. Purchasing Vendor of the Year – Schreiber Foods (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
Schreiber Foods, a global leader in cheese production, has been partnering with IDQ for more than half a century. For 53 years, the company has provided quality cheese products that are integral to many DQ menu offerings. Its long-standing relationship with IDQ underscores the mutual trust and shared values that have kept the collaboration strong across generations.
Recognizing Canadian Partners
The Canadian side of the business, supported by both IDQ and CDQ CO-OP LTD., also celebrated three outstanding vendors whose dedication to franchise owners in Canada has set them apart.
- Canada Dairy Vendor of the Year – Agropur Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario)
Agropur Ottawa has been a bedrock of IDQ’s Canadian supply chain for an astounding 65 years. As one of the brand’s longest-standing vendors, Agropur provides the soft serve mix to restaurants across Ontario and Quebec. Its unwavering commitment to quality and consistency has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Canadian fans enjoy the same legendary DQ soft serve as their counterparts in the U.S. - Canada Distributor of the Year – Sysco Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario)
With seven years of service, Sysco Ottawa has quickly become a critical partner for DQ’s Canadian operations. Providing distribution services across Ontario and Quebec, Sysco ensures that restaurants in these provinces remain stocked with everything from ingredients to packaging. The company’s efficiency and customer service have earned it recognition as an invaluable partner in the Canadian market. - Canada Purchasing Vendor of the Year – Sunrise Bakery (Edmonton, Alberta)
Sunrise Bakery, which has supported IDQ and CDQ CO-OP for two decades, was honored for its unique contributions to the DQ system. The company produces DQ Cake® centers and Blizzard® Treat inclusions while also serving as a redistribution hub in Canada. Its role is especially vital given the growing popularity of DQ Cakes and Blizzard® Treats, which are central to the brand’s identity and consumer appeal.
The Importance of Vendor Partnerships
Speaking at the Supply Chain Summit, Dan Kropp, Chief Supply Chain and Development Officer for the U.S. and Canada at International Dairy Queen, emphasized the crucial role these vendors play in the success of the brand.
“We’re proud to have a strong network of suppliers and distributors, and the partners we’re recognizing stand out within the DQ system for their exceptional commitment to our franchise owners and our fans,” Kropp said. “Our vendors ensure that DQ franchise owners have the ingredients, equipment, supplies, and distribution services they need to consistently deliver positive fan experiences. Many of these vendors have been with us for decades—one 65 years—and we are grateful for their continued partnership.”
This message underscores the symbiotic relationship between IDQ and its vendor partners. The vendors not only supply essential products but also help DQ franchise owners navigate challenges such as fluctuating market conditions, evolving consumer preferences, and growing expectations for sustainability and innovation in the foodservice industry.
Honoring Legacy and Building the Future
What stands out about the 2025 Vendor of the Year honorees is not just their exceptional service, but also the longevity of their relationships with IDQ. Several have been partners for more than four decades, reflecting deep trust and alignment with the brand’s vision. For example, Agropur’s 65-year relationship highlights a legacy of shared success and continuous innovation, while Schreiber Foods’ 53-year collaboration demonstrates consistency in delivering quality dairy products that have become staples in the DQ menu.
At the same time, IDQ also recognizes the importance of embracing new partners like Atosa USA, whose contributions illustrate how fresh innovation and technology play a role in keeping the system modern and competitive. This balance of legacy and innovation ensures that DQ restaurants remain a cherished destination for fans while meeting the operational demands of the present and future.
