Wakefern seeking local suppliers and vendors
Wakefern Food Corp. is hosting a supplier summit this fall to find the best new foods and products for its supermarket banners. Interested suppliers and vendors should be based in markets where Wakefern banners operate, and the application process for Wakefern’s Total Store Local Supplier Summit kicked off this week.
The company said it is focused on finding new, local suppliers who can offer unique, on-trend and exciting foods and products for potential addition to ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer stores, as well as other supermarket banners that are part of the cooperative. Product submissions from all grocery categories are welcome and suppliers are encouraged to submit their application through the RangeMe application link, which is open for two weeks. Wakefern will review all applications before selecting 10 finalists to pitch their products in person to the Wakefern team.
“We are excited to reach out to a variety of suppliers, entrepreneurs and small businesses as we look to discover the next great products for our stores. Wakefern is focused on finding local makers and producers in states where our members’ stores are located. Wakefern members live and work in the communities where their stores operate, and we always think it’s important to seek local suppliers who are part of the community,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer for Wakefern.
Wakefern is known for supporting local farmers, businesses and brands, and supplier summits are in line with the cooperative’s mission. Applicants are encouraged to share their brand or product’s origin story as part of the application process for the supplier summit.
Local suppliers should also be headquartered in states where Wakefern supermarket banners operate, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. A team at Wakefern will consider applications and select finalists before naming the winners in November. Winners will be granted a one-year minimum placement of their products at ShopRite stores and, potentially, other Wakefern supermarket banners.
