Smithfield Foods Inc. recently was named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the “Company of the Year – Manufacturing” category of the 20th annual American Business Awards.

The company was recognized for its efforts in 2020 to “ensure stability in the global food supply; keep employees healthy and safe; progress toward its leading commitments to reduce the environmental impact of its operations; and invest in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

In September 2020, Smithfield Foods became the first major protein company to commit to becoming carbon negative in all U.S. company-owned operations by 2030. That same year, the company pledged $15 million to further diversity, equity and inclusion in food manufacturing, agriculture and education through its Unity & Action program, including a contract grower initiative to help address historic barriers disproportionally facing Black and other minority farmers.

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of various sizes and industries were submitted for consideration in a range of categories, and more than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie winners.

A list of 2022 Stevie winners is available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.