The QCS Quality and Food Safety Plant Assessment Awards are granted to participants who achieve a 96% or higher formal audit score. The audits are rigorous and conducted by an accredited, approved third-party food safety firm. Plants that receive the awards have demonstrated organizational excellence and quality assurance representing the highest standards in the food and beverage industry.
Several Hiland plants also won QCS Merit of Excellence Awards in the following categories: fluid milk, ice cream, and cultured products. The merit of Excellence Award compliance levels is well above industry standards, creating a significant but rewarding challenge.
•Cultured Products Merit Awards
o Hiland Dairy, Norman, Oklahoma
o Hiland Dairy, Wichita, Kansas
•Fluid Milk Merit of Excellence Awards
o Hiland Dairy, Fort Smith, Arkansas
o Hiland Dairy, Kansas City, Missouri
o Hiland Dairy, Little Rock, Arkansas
o Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska
o Hiland Dairy, Springfield, Missouri.
•Ice Cream Merit of Excellence Awards
o Hiland Dairy, Springfield, Missouri
o Hiland Dairy, Tyler, Texas
In the individual product judging contests, Hiland Dairy Foods of Wichita, Kansas, received the top scores for the best regular Egg Nog, and Hiland Dairy Foods, Little Rock, Arkansas, won first place in the Orange Juice Product Contest.
“We are honored to receive high praise and recognition from the QCS Purchasing Cooperative,” said Rick Beaman, Vice President of Hiland Dairy Foods. “Awards for product quality and safety represent Hiland’s continued commitment to our customers and consumers that we produce and deliver fresh, wholesome dairy products and other foods.”