• ORLANDO, Fla.
At the annual Express Seminar, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) honored four vendor partners as convenience channel Suppliers of the Year, recognizing their continued support for the military community.
“Vendor partners make it possible for us to live out our mission of going wherever service members and their families are,” said Danielle Pelland, Consumables vice president (VP).
“Our suppliers of the year truly distinguish themselves by delivering the familiar comforts and tastes of home to the military community worldwide,” she said.
2025 SUPPLIERS OF THE YEAR
Perfetti Van Melle: The candy company achieved $3.7 million in sales — up by $540,000 from the prior year. Unit sales rose to 1.4 million, a 6-percent increase over prior year.
Kellanova: The snack company achieved $10 million in sales, representing a 5.2-percent increase over the prior year, with 3.4 million units sold.
Anheuser-Busch: The vendor delivered top products with strong sales leadership, precise logistics and flawless execution. Brown-Forman: In 2025, Brown-Forman found innovative ways to promote its brands, build a stronger basket, and connect with our nation’s heroes in fresh, meaningful ways.
OTHER HONOREES
In addition, 29 vendors were honored for donating snacks to the Exchange’s military community engagements for corporate outreach,
including the Army Ten-Miler, Air Force Marathon, the Army-Navy Game Bonfire and Army-Navy Game.
The honored vendors were Barcel; Gourmet Nut; Legendary; PepsiCo; Second Nature Brands; Bucked Up; Hippeas; Loacker; Performance Inspired; Universal; ConAgra; Honey Stinger; Lotus Bakeries N.A.; Popchips; and Wonderful Pistachios.
Also, EA Sween; General Mills; Mars Wrigley; Rap Snacks; Kellanova; Ferrero USA; Hormel Foods; Mondelez; Redefine; Raw; Ghost; Jack Link’s; Old Trapper; and Rev Gum.
“Exchange outreach booths are always a hit — the snacks bring people in and consistently earn great feedback from the military community,” said Sandi Lute, senior vice president (SVP) of Brand Marketing.
“These events give Corporate Communication and Brand Marketing a powerful way to showcase the Exchange’s relevance and remind attendees of the life-long value of their benefit,” Lute noted.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
