Several refrigerated and frozen food processors were honored as top vendors to Darden Restaurants Inc., the Orlando, Fla., parent to such chains as Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Bahama Breeze.

Darden Restaurants suppliers listen up! The Orlando, Fla., company is considering more foreign locations for its popular Olive Garden and Red Lobster units, reported the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel.

Having visited central and northern Italy, Olive Garden's corporate chefs have developed several "permanent" new menu items "crafted from fresh, simple ingredients and rooted in Italian culinary tradition."