RBG Names Vendors of the Year

HINSDALE, Ill. -- Royal Buying Group Inc., headquartered here, named three companies -- Kellogg's, MCT Wholesale and Boyd Coffee -- as recipients of its annual vendor service awards.

The Vendor of the Year award went to Kellogg's Senior Marketing Manager Mike Crutchfield.

"Kellogg's has been a Royal Buying Group preferred vendor since 1995," said Denise McKelvie, RBG's candy and snacks category manager. "Their commitment to the c-store channel, including product innovation and consistent program opportunities has contributed to the overall growth of the snack category. In 2006, Kellogg's was Royal Buying Group's Snack Category Captain. In this role, Kellogg's developed plan-o-grams through SKU rationalization, in order to maximize retailer profitability."

MCT Wholesale was named Wholesale Distributor of the Year and its award was received by Director of Marketing Bob Jones.

"Over the past year MCT Wholesale partnered with RBG to increase benefits to their customers by providing them RBG programs. MCT Wholesale has recently brought over 50 new retailers to RBG's membership," said Christine Brown, RBG director of vendors. "Their continued support and commitment to RBG is why MCT Wholesale earned the Wholesale Distributor of the Year award."

The Direct Store Delivered Vendor of the Year was awarded to Boyd Coffee Co.'s National C-Store Channel Manager, Vickie Grimes.

"Starting in November 2005, Boyd Coffee Co. partnered with RBG to provide a specially designed, all-encompassing coffee program," said Sharon Porter, director of business development. "By providing the complete "coffee house" offering of layout design, equipment, service, signage and image graphics, new product introductions, promotional calendar, best class pricing and a rebate program, Boyd Coffee Co. has proven their commitment to being a true coffee partner to RBG's retailers."

Winners were honored at RBG's annual program kick-off reception on Feb. 15 at the Marriott Oak Brook, located in Oak Brook, Ill.
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