Whole Foods supplier summit invites local growers to meet with buyers
Whole Foods supplier summit invites local growers to meet with buyers
Whole Foods Market is inviting local growers and food artisans to meet with buyers for its newest store in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood, opening spring 2016. The Missouri Supplier Summit, hosted by Whole Foods Market Midwest, educates prospective new suppliers around the company’s quality standards and process for becoming a supplier.
“We love supporting local farmers, food artisans and producers who share our passion for quality products made from pure, simple ingredients,” Stefanie Garcia, Whole Foods Market Midwest local forager, said in a press release. “The Missouri Supplier Summit is a great opportunity to meet with potential suppliers and find the unique flavors that make Missouri special.”
Currently, anywhere from 10-30 percent of the products on Whole Foods Market shelves come from local producers. Several suppliers, such as St. Louis-based Billy Goat Chips, have grown from a single store to other stores in the region.
For a business to be considered local and attend this summit, the products should be grown, manufactured and packaged in the state of Missouri. During the summit, interested suppliers will learn about Whole Foods Market’s quality standards and supplier process, and then meet individual with buyers to discuss their products in more detail.
The Missouri Supplier Summit will take place Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Maryville University Auditorium, 650 Maryville University Dr., St. Louis. Advanced registration is required for those interested.