Quantum Foods' Bleka Receives Industry Award of Excellence

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Quantum Foods announced that Edward Bleka, president & chief executive officer (CEO) and its founder, received the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) 2009 Industry “Award of Excellence.”  The award was presented at the 108th IFSEA Annual Conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

The prestigious IFSEA “Award of Excellence” was presented to Bleka for his innovative contributions to the food industry and for creating one of the fastest growing food processors in the nation.  IFSEA is a multifaceted service organization for the professionals of the hospitality industry. The IFSEA mission is to enhance the careers of its members through professional and personal growth.

“We are absolutely delighted to present the ‘Award of Excellence’ to Ed Bleka who is well-known and respected in the food industry,” said Rick Diaz, IFSEA, Chairman of the Board.  “His extensive experience in the food industry and proven record of leadership make him a worthy recipient of this distinction,” he added.

According to Diaz, “Ed Bleka and Quantum Foods are a great American success story.  He is a unique individual with great vision and known for providing his customers with value-added services.”

Bleka founded Quantum Foods in 1990.  Today, Quantum Foods provides custom-menu solutions for national and regional chains, including full-service and quick service restaurants.  The Company is also an important co-packer to the nation’s largest retailers and serves the rapidly expanding food service needs of major cruise lines.   Quantum Foods provides its high quality products to many recognized food companies and since 1994, it has been providing nutritious and convenient meals to the United States Military.

Growing up in a hard-working family with a meat industry background, Bleka learned and developed a love for the food industry at an early age.  He started his career as a meat cutter with a meat processor in Chicago’s fabled Stockyards.  He held a variety of positions, each with greater responsibility and authority. 

 “I am very excited and honored to accept this award on behalf of the more than 1,500 dedicated and hard-working employees at Quantum Foods,” Bleka said accepting the award.  “I believe that listening to the unique needs of our customers has been the secret to our success,” he added.  “And for me, this has meant realizing those dreams you can only achieve in America.”

Quantum Foods’ employees work in two production plants and one distribution center on the Bolingbrook, Illinois campus. For all of this success, Bleka remains focused on his customers and on his employees as he treats everyone like family.  His keen vision for adding value continues to drive Quantum Foods today.  Bleka came to the United States from Wroblowka, Poland in 1970.