Saputo USA Wins IDFA’s 2025 Workplace of the Year for Industry-Leading Employee Culture

Within a tight labor market and an increasingly competitive talent pool, Saputo USA is standing out for all the right reasons.

The dairy manufacturing giant has been named Workplace of the Year by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), an award co-sponsored by Dairy Processing magazine. The recognition, now in its second year, honors companies that prioritize employee wellbeing, equity, and growth, not just performance.

“As a proud IDFA member organization, we are humbled by this recognition,” said Terri Bryant-Harrell, the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Saputo USA. 

The announcement was made at the IDFA Dairy Forum in San Antonio, where Saputo USA was selected through a blind review process that assessed dozens of IDFA member organizations.

And the verdict was very evident and clear.

Setting the Standard for Growth and Inclusivity

The judges cited Saputo USA’s remarkable policies around gender equity, professional development, and workplace culture as among the best in the industry.

A standout among them is the Advancing Gender Balance initiative, which sets a clear and specific target of 30% female representation at the VP level and above. It’s a commitment with real, measurable impact, not merely a conversation piece.

Behind the metrics is a company strategy that places long-term talent development at its core. From mentorship and internal mobility programs to employee resource groups and leadership pipelines, Saputo’s HR engine runs deep.

Professional growth is not just encouraged; it’s institutionalized in every aspect of the organization. The results? Impressively undeniable. Retention rates are up. Employee morale is high. And the company continues to attract new talent, even in a tight hiring environment.

Handing Out the Perks of A Holistic Wellbeing 

While many employers offer flexible work or parental leave, Saputo USA takes it several steps further.

With programs like paid parental leave, flexible schedules, and strong health benefits, the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting not only employees but their families, too. It’s all part of the company’s broader philosophy, which states that workplaces should enable people to thrive both personally and professionally.

That approach is evident in Saputo’s investments in employee well-being. Judges were particularly impressed by the company’s wellness programs and robust medical benefits. The systems are designed not as afterthoughts, but as pillars of workplace culture.

“We know great employees make great products,” said Terri Bryant-Harrell, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Saputo USA. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment through programs and policies that support them in both their personal and professional lives.”

“Creating a workplace where our teams can grow and thrive is a journey that demands constant focus and unwavering commitment, but it’s one we eagerly embrace as we stay true to the values that Saputo was built on over 70 years ago,” she further added.

That commitment also extends to two-way communication. Saputo regularly shares outcomes of internal audits with staff and actively seeks input on workplace policies. It’s a transparent, collaborative model that few companies in the sector have implemented.

A Culture Built on Values, Not Just Vanity Metrics

While the award shines a spotlight on recent achievements, it also reflects values that have defined Saputo USA for decades.

Founded over 70 years ago, the company has long believed that great products come from great people. In today’s climate, that’s more than a mission statement, it’s a competitive differentiator.

The IDFA selection panel looked for organizations that don’t just meet workplace standards, but lead in areas like diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement. Saputo exceeded expectations across the board.

In a statement, Becky Rasdall Vargas, Senior VP for Trade and Workforce Policy at IDFA, noted:

“It was evident to the judges that Saputo USA seeks to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.”While many in the industry are still adapting to modern workforce practices, Saputo is not only keeping pace, but it’s also raising the bar higher. This recognition doesn’t signal the end of the road for them; instead, it emphasizes the ongoing direction of what Saputo USA is heading towards, with its people right at the forefront.