Frozen soup, bakery food and shrimp processors were among those honored this month byDardenRestaurants Inc., the Orlando, Fla., parent to such restaurants as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.

Of its more than 1,500 suppliers, Darden recognized a select handful with "William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier Awards." Refrigerated and frozen food honorees included:

Lotito Foods Inc. -- Edison, N.J., cheese importer developed new lower cost cheese for Olive Garden
Louisa Food Products-- St. Louis firm helped Olive Garden develop new Mezzaluna filled pasta
Potandon Produce-- Idaho Falls, Idaho, firm supplied needed potatoes to multiple Darden units
Save On Seafood-- St. Petersburg, Fla., fresh fish supplier helped Bahama Breeze with new products
Taste It Presents Inc. -- Kenilworth, N.J., firm developed 11 new bakery desserts for Seasons 52
Thai Union Seafood-- Bankok, Thailand, supplier of value-added frozen shrimp to Red Lobster
Tom Cat Bakery Inc. -- Long Island City, N.Y., supplier of brioche to The Capital Grille
Tyson Prepared Foods-- Springdale, Ark., supplier of Red Lobster premium soups and sauces