Meat and poultry giantTyson Foods Inc., Springdale, Ark., said restaurant operatorMcDonald's USArecently honored Tyson as the chain's 2010 Supplier of the Year.

McDonald's, Oak Brook, Ill., made the announcement during its recent 2010 Supplier Summit involving industry McDonald's suppliers and distributors. As a McDonald's supplier for nearly 30 years, officials said Tyson Foods won the "Supplier of the Year Award" for (1) taking the initiative to implement a highly effective cost mitigation and savings program for McDonald's; and (2) playing a leading role in many other areas, including sustainable supply, and the development of quality and food safety standards.

"Tyson Foods is looked upon as a trusted and strategic provider by the McDonald's brand and our franchisee community," said Dan Gorsky, senior vice president,  McDonald's North America Supply Chain. "They stand as the epitome of all the qualities we look for in our best suppliers, from leadership, partnership and teamwork to quality and innovation."

"We value our relationship with McDonald's and are grateful they have chosen to recognize our efforts with this prestigious honor," said Devin Cole, Tyson Foods senior vice president and general manager of the McDonald's business unit. "Our Tyson team members work hard every day on behalf of McDonald's and we look forward to demonstrating our continued commitment."

McDonald's presents its annual U.S. Supplier of the Year Award to the food, paper or product supplier that makes the most significant impact on, and contribution to, McDonald's U.S. business results from the previous year, officials say. Award criteria include commitment to quality and food safety, product, equipment and process innovation, exemplary customer service and value.