Kum & Go Honors Land Mark Products as Supplier of the Year

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Kum & Go LC named food manufacturer and distributor Land Mark Products its Supplier of the Year. The award was presented at the convenience store chain's annual meeting on Aug. 30.

The company chose Land Mark in part for its performance in developing an artisan pizza program that encompassed menu development, extensive customer research and employee training.

 "We're proud of our history in developing pizza programs. But serving great pizza is not easy. There are so many factors that have to come together to do the job right," said Land Mark President Jason Farrell. "Yes, we worked hard and no one is prouder than Land Mark to receive this award. But credit has to go back to Kum & Go as they're willing to do the hard work to achieve excellence. We met their challenge."

In addition to its primary work as a food manufacturer, Land Mark works closely with its customers in the areas of customer research, product development and marketing.

"The best convenience stores are also in the restaurant business. Customers want the same quality of food at convenience stores as they receive from traditional restaurants," said Dana Evaro, vice president of marketing for Land Mark. "Kum & Go has always provided outstanding pizza, but last year, they expressed that they wanted to offer their customers an artisan menu that would really establish their brand as a go-to pizza place. Today, that program is really doing great, saleswise and most importantly, through happy customers."

 West Des Moines-based Kum & Go operates 430 c-stores in 11 states.