IAFP Names Sobeys Inc. as Recipient of the Prestigious Black Pearl Award
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Des Moines, Iowa - The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) selected Sobeys Inc. as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award. Sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Company, the Black Pearl Award will be presented at IAFP’s Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.
This honor is given annually to one company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.
Sobeys Inc. is one of Canada’s leading grocery retailers, proudly serving communities from coast to coast for more than 115 years. Established in 1907 in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has grown from a small meat delivery business into a national food retail powerhouse. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited, it operates more than 1,600 stores under trusted banners such as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods, Foodland, FreshCo, Farm Boy, Longo’s, and Voilà.
Driven by a passion for food and a commitment to excellence, Sobeys prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and community well-being. Initiatives such as food waste reduction, carbon footprint minimizations, and partnerships with local suppliers and charitable organizations deepens this commitment. Its expanding e-commerce platform, Voilà, delivers a modern, convenient grocery experience built on quality and service.
At its heart, Sobeys is a family nurturing families. With more than 128,000 teammates, franchisees, and affiliates, the company is united by a shared mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. From fresh, nutritious products to welcoming in-store experiences, Sobeys places customers, communities, and teammates at the center of everything it does.
Food safety remains foundational to Sobeys’ operations – an uncompromising pillar that supports its legacy of trust, care, and leadership in Canadian food retail.
About International Association for Food Protection
The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) represents more than 4,600 food safety professionals committed to Advancing Food Safety Worldwide®. The association includes educators, government officials, microbiologists, food industry executives and quality control professionals who are involved in all aspects of growing, storing, transporting, processing and preparing all types of foods. Working together, IAFP members, representing more than 70 countries, help the association achieve its mission through networking, educational programs, journals, career opportunities and numerous other resources.
