Madison, WI – Lipari Foods has been selected as the 2026 Vendor of the Year, one of the Wisconsin Grocers Association’s (WGA) highest honors. The news was shared with the company’s leadership team, including CEO Stuart Schuette during a company meeting on August 5th.
The WGA Vendor of the Year Award recognizes vendors that go beyond sales and product delivery to help WGA members grow, innovate and succeed while contributing to the strength of Wisconsin’s grocery industry. In the competitive landscape of grocery retail, few vendors achieve the balance of exceptional service, product variety and strong partnerships that benefit both retailers and their customers.
Lipari Foods has long been a trusted partner to independent grocers, offering an extensive selection of international, dairy, deli, bakery, frozen, and specialty products. Its diverse product assortment provides independent retailers with access to products and brands from around the world, helping them meet the evolving tastes and needs of their customers.
“We are incredibly humbled, honored and grateful to receive the 2026 Vendor of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Grocers Association,” said Nick Lenzi, senior vice president of marketing for Lipari Foods. “We are especially grateful to Piggly Wiggly Midwest for the nomination. We truly value our partnerships with Wisconsin grocers and appreciate their continued support.”
Since its beginnings as a family market in 1938, Lipari Foods has grown into one of the nation’s leading independent food distributors. Its commitment to customer service, product variety and strong retailer relationships has helped establish the company as a valued partner to independent grocers throughout the Midwest.
Lipari Foods has also been a dedicated WGA partner for many years, consistently supporting the association’s programs and events.
Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the WGA, emphasized the significance of the award.
“Lipari Foods has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of the grocery industry and the membership of the Wisconsin Grocers Association,” Semmann said. “Their investment in our events, support of our programs and commitment to independent grocers exemplify what it means to be a true industry partner. Lipari Foods has earned this recognition, and we are pleased to honor them as our 2026 Vendor of the Year.”
The WGA Vendor of the Year Award celebrates vendors that build lasting partnerships, support independent retailers and contribute to the growth of Wisconsin’s grocery industry. Lipari Foods’ diverse product offerings, commitment to its customers and longstanding support of WGA make it a deserving recipient of the 2026 award.
Lipari Foods will be officially recognized at the 2026 WGA Innovation Expo on August 18 at the Wilderness Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Media interested in attending may register by contacting WGA Member Engagement Coordinator Michelle Stangler at mstangler@wisconsingrocers.com.
Photo: Lipari Foods leadership team members, including CEO Stuart Shuette, were notified of the award during a leadership company meeting on August 5. The team gathered shortly afterward for a photo celebrating the recognition.
ABOUT THE WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION (WGA)
The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is a non-profit trade association established in 1900 to represent independent grocers and grocery chains, warehouses and brokers, vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers before all levels of government. The WGA provides educational and networking opportunities, leadership training, public affairs, and compliance information for its membership.
WGA and its membership have significant economic impact in the state of Wisconsin. The WGA represents nearly 350 independent grocers with multiple locations across the state, more than 200 retail grocery chain stores, warehouses and distributors, convenience stores, food brokers and suppliers. Wisconsin grocers employ over 30,000 people with over $1 billion in payroll and generate more than $12 billion in annual sales in Wisconsin resulting in approximately $800 million in state sales tax revenue (data provided by The Food Institute).
