NEW YORK — Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., Wegmans and Pivot Bio have been recognized by Rabobank for demonstrating significant progress across innovation, sustainability and market leadership. The three companies were selected from hundreds of companies across three categories as part of Rabobank’s 2019 Food and Agribusiness Industry Leadership Awards.

Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., Mexico City, received the Rabobank Award for Leadership in Sustainability. The award recognizes an organization that has taken strides in business, environmental, social and governance sustainability.

Rabobank applauded several of Bimbo’s efforts in driving sustainability in its supply chain and focusing on renewable energy sources, including the company’s commitment to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025, its drastic reduction of CO2 emissions and its operation of 71 self-sufficient solar rooftops.

“It is an honor for me to receive this award on behalf of the more than 138,000 associates around the world who share a common mission: to nourish a better world,” said Tony Gavin, executive vice-president of Bimbo Bakeries USA. “Every business decision we make must support our purpose — to build a sustainable, highly productive and deeply humane company. This important recognition inspires us to continue working on this path, taking care of the environment and supporting the communities in the 32 countries where we operate.”

Wegmans, Rochester, N.Y., received the Rabobank Award for Excellence in Food and Ag Leadership. The award recognizes a large-scale market leader that has demonstrated great and lasting impact in its sector.

Rabobank pointed to Wegmans’ commitment to reducing in-store plastic packaging and single-use plastics, adding that the company also donates approximately 14 million lbs of food to local food banks each year. Wegmans was recognized as a 2018 and 2019 Outstanding Safer Choice Retailer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and was ranked No. 1 for corporate reputation in the 2019 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient Study.

“Thank you for recognizing our commitment to helping our customers live healthier, better lives through food,” said Colleen Wegman, president and chief executive officer of Wegmans. “One of the most impactful ways we’ve been able to accomplish this is through our organic farm and orchard, where we try new varieties and new growing techniques and then share what we learn with our grower partners.”

Pivot Bio, Berkeley, Calif., received the Rabobank Award for Emerging Leadership in Innovation. The award recognizes a fast-growing young company that is addressing challenges and market gaps in food and agriculture with a novel and disruptive business model.

Rabobank said Pivot Bio provides a microbial nitrogen crop nutrition solution to farmers that reduces the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, helping them improve their profitability and sustainability. Pivot Bio was recognized as one of the Most Innovative AgTech Startups of 2018 by Forbes and one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2019 by Fast Company.

“On behalf of the entire Pivot Bio team, we are honored to be recognized by Rabobank for Emerging Leadership in Innovation,” said Karsten Temme, Ph.D., co-founder and c.e.o. of Pivot Bio. “This recognition is made possible by the multitude of people who believe there is a better way to provide nitrogen to corn. We are inspired every day by the innovative farmers who use our product. Thank you to them as well as our investors, partners and employees who, working together, have made it possible to deliver a solution that is better for the farm, the farmer and our planet.”

The awards were presented on Dec. 5 at Rabobank’s annual Food & Agribusiness Summit in New York City.