CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has been recognized this year as one of the "Top Supplier Diversity Programs for Women” by Professional Woman’s magazine.

Ahold USA has been recognized this year as one of the "Top Supplier Diversity Programs for Women” by Professional Woman’s magazine.

The supermarket retailer said the honor reflects its ongoing efforts to work with diverse and women-owned businesses.

"We continue to maintain our strong commitment to developing business opportunities with women- and minority-owned companies that can supply their products and services to our customers," stated Jodie Daubert, senior vice president of sales development at Ahold USA. "We’re pleased to be nationally recognized by Professional Woman’s magazine and proud to work with these companies to offer their products and services in our stores."

Ahold USA’s supplier diversity initiatives include hosting annual trade local/diverse business opportunity fairs.

At this year’s events in Quincy, Mass., and Carlisle, Pa., 81 companies had the opportunity to get their products reviewed by Ahold USA procurement teams for potential placement in the retailer’s supermarkets. Attendees at the fairs included representatives of women- and minority-owned businesses.

Ahold USA operates about 800 supermarkets in 14 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states through its Stop & Shop, Giant, Giant Food Stores and Martin’s chains.