Wakefern seeking health-focused suppliers
Wakefern seeking health-focused suppliers
Wakefern Food Corp. is looking for suppliers to apply for its 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit taking place this fall. The event aims to explore new and exciting health-focused foods, beverages and products for potential placement in Wakefern supermarket banners.
Submissions that align with the growing demand for health and wellness — such as clean-label, organic, plant-based or functional products — are strongly encouraged. Candidates may submit online applications through RangeMe until Aug. 12. Wakefern will review all submissions and select 10 finalists who will be invited to pitch their products in person to the Wakefern team this fall. Winners will be awarded a minimum one-year product placement at select ShopRite stores and may be considered for broader placement across Wakefern’s other supermarket banners.
“Our goal is to connect with forward-thinking, wellness-oriented suppliers who are passionate about their products and the people they serve,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer of Wakefern Food Corp. “From functional beverages and clean-label snacks to household products, we’re casting a wide net to discover items that support our customers’ health and wellness goals.”
Applicants will be asked to share how their products support health and wellness, what makes their offerings unique in the market and whether they can meet the production demands for a retailer with 300+ stores. Suppliers are also encouraged to provide details about their product certifications (e.g., organic, kosher, vegan), current retail placements and their company’s mission.
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.
Wakefern is known for supporting local farmers, businesses and brands, and supplier summits are in line with the cooperative’s mission to help small businesses succeed in a big business world.